Caribbean Times International

Food shortage hits Jamaica, as drought worsens

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica's Ministry of Agriculture has concluded an assessment, which confirms a shortage of several food items, including vegetables, due to the protracted dry spell.

Checks were carried out by teams from the ministry, following reports that farming areas have been hit hard by the sharp decline in rainfall.

Donovan Stanberry, Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry, listed carrot, lettuce, tomato, onion and zucchini among the vegetables now in short supply across Jamaica.

This, according to Stanberry, was “somewhat inevitable, due to the length and severity of the drought.” He suggested that, in light of the current shortage of some produce, consumers might have to consider food substitutes, as a short term measure. (See full story on Page 5)

Guyanese farmers

Famous Guyanese comedian Habeeb Khan dies

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Nicknamed the ‘Ambassador of Comedy’, Veteran Guyanese Comedian and stage actor Habeeb Khan passed away aged 78 at his Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD) residence on Tuesday morning. According to the man’s son, David Khan, his father had been suffering from asthmatic bronchitis for quite some time and it is supposed that he succumbed to that.

Khan leaves a legacy of vintage memories, with unforgettable skits and personas, as he graced television screens and stages in Guyana for well over five decades.

The comedian lived his art, being known for having an antennae connected to his sewing machine and an enormous padlock on a gate in front of his yard but no fence.

Khan also landed roles in several onscreen projects which boosted his public appeal; these included his depiction of George, an abused hus-

band, in the Torginol Paint ad and a local film in which he was the lead actor–“If Wishes Were Horses”.

As news of the comedian’s death rippled

Trinidadian is new head of Howard University

WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES:

Trinidadian Wayne Frederick was voted the 17th president of Howard University, in Washington, DC, United States, on Monday by the university’s board of trustees after being unanimously recommended by the Presidential Search Committee (PSC). A graduate of St Mary’s College, Wayne Frederick, MD, MBA, FACS, originally from Opal Gardens, Diamond Vale, Diego Martin, and grandson of late attorney Charles Tyson, has served as the university’s interim president since last October.

He enrolled at Howard as a 16-year-old and earned a dual BSc/MD degree programme at 22, then went on to a surgical residency at Howard University Hospital. He completed a post-doctoral research fellowship and

through the entertainment fraternity, many expressed condolences to the actor’s family and reminisced on working with him over the past 60 years. (Guyana Times)

a surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, then earned an MBA degree from Howard’s School of Business.

Now a respected scholar, surgeon, researcher and administrator, Frederick previously served as Howard’s Provost and chief academic officer, charged with oversight of Howard's 13 schools and colleges, as

well as its health sciences enterprise.

Frederick’s mother Frances Tyson-Frederick, primary care manager of the North West Regional Health Authority, St George West in Trinidad, said Tuesday: “I feel humbled by my son’s achievement and I thank God for this blessing. He deserves it because he has been a good child. I trust in God and raised him to trust in God.” (TT Guardian)

Jamaican charged in Canadian passport fraud

TORONTO,

CANADA: A Jamaican is reportedly among four persons who have been charged with buying fraudulent passports in Canada.

He has been identified as 48-year-old Luke Tyler who is also known as Wayne Miller.

According to the police, Tyler bought the passport from Aline Rozeline Zeitoune who worked in the passport section of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Zeitoune has been charged with breach of trust and 96 other counts

including selling identity documents, passport forgery and making false statements, reports emanating from Canada have stated.

Tyler was one of 22 people who were able to obtain Canadian passports as a result of Zeitoune’s actions.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigators say they are now hunting for 18 other persons who allegedly obtained the bogus Canadian passports from Zeitoune who is booked to appear in court by September, reports stated. (Caribbean News)

Jamaica passes longawaited Disabilities Act

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

The House of Representatives in Jamaica has passed the long-awaited legislation to fight against discrimination on the grounds of disabilities.

The Disabilities Act proposes, among other things, that no employer should discriminate against a person on the grounds of disability if the person is qualified for the job.

The Bill also makes provision for persons with a disability to be entitled to the enjoyment of privileges, interest, bene-

fits and treatments as every other Jamaican.

Labour and Social Security Minister Derrick Kellier, in piloting the Bill, said some 10 percent of Jamaicans are disabled and argued that the Bill, when passed into law will allow for all persons to make a contribution to economic growth and national development.

Pearnel Charles, the Opposition spokesman on labour, said 82 percent of persons with disability are living below the poverty line adding that every effort should be made to reverse this reality and

remove discrimination.

However, he said more effort was needed in relation to provisions for the modification of buildings to accommodate the needs of the disabled.

The Bill, which has been in preliminary stages for over ten years, received bi-partisan support in the House when it was debated Tuesday. It will require the state to transform the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities into a body corporate, which means it will have to be funded from the public purse. (Jamaica Gleaner)

To contact: Caribbean Times International

Unit 12, 680 Rexdale Blvd., Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario M9WOB5

Advertising: 647 990 7438/416 450 1672

Email: news@caribbeantimesinternational.com caribtimes@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

MDGs update

Anew report launched recently by UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon points to the fact that millions of people’s lives have improved due to concerted global, regional, national and local efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which serve as the foundation for the next global development agenda.

The MDGs report is based on comprehensive official statistics and provides the most up-to-date summary of all Goals and their targets at global and regional levels, with additional national statistics available online. Results show that concentrated efforts to achieve MDG targets by national governments, the international community, civil society and the private sector are working to lift people out of extreme poverty and improve their futures.

Increasing access to improved drinking-water sources, improving the lives of slum dwellers and achieving gender parity in primary school, many more targets are within reach by their 2015 target date. The world will likely surpass MDG targets on malaria, tuberculosis and access to HIV treatment, and the hunger target looks within reach.

Big MDG gains continue. For example, over the past 20 years, the likelihood of a child dying before age five has been nearly cut in half, which means about 17,000 children are saved every day. Globally, the maternal mortality ratio dropped by 45 percent between 1990 and 2013.

Antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected people has saved 6.6 million lives since 1995, and expanding its coverage could save many more. Between 2000 and 2012, an estimated 3.3 million deaths from malaria were averted due to substantial expansion of malaria interventions. Since 1995, efforts to fight tuberculosis saved an estimated 22 million lives.

Guyana has made tremendous gains in achieving the MDG targets. The country has advanced in its efforts to reduce hunger, increase access to social services and benefits, improve enrolment in and completion of primary education, increase empowerment of women and achieve environmental sustainability.

There is still a need for more concerted efforts to be made on all fronts in confronting the challenges Guyana faces in relation to the other MDGs. The prospects of achieving all the MDGs will be vastly improved with the sustained economic growth and its effects on household income, revenue generation and public expenditure outlays. The broader political climate will remain critical in creating a conducive environment to encourage greater capital investment in the country and slow down the outward migration of critical professional and technical skills.

Some MDG targets related to largely preventable problems with available solutions, such as reducing child and maternal mortality and increasing access to sanitation, are slipping away from achievement by 2015.

Since 1990, 2.3 billion people have gained access to an improved drinking water source. Over one-quarter of the world’s population has gained access to improved sanitation since 1990, yet one billion people still resort to open defecation. Therefore, much greater effort and investment will be needed to alter inadequate sanitation facilities.

In relation to maternity deaths, worldwide, almost 300,000 women died in 2013 from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Most pregnant women in developing regions see a skilled health provider at least once, but only half get the recommended four antenatal checkups. Of note too is that preventable conditions, such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, are the main killers for children under age five.

In 2012, an estimated 25 percent of children under age five were stunted—having inadequate height for their age. While this is a significant decline from 40 percent in 1990, 162 million young children still suffer from preventable, chronic under-nutrition.

With the targets for the MDGs set to conclude at the end of 2015, UN member states are in the midst of considering a broader set of goals to follow that are likely to be agreed by world leaders in September 2015. We are in agreement with the report’s conclusion which states: “Continued progress towards the MDGs in the remaining year is essential for what comes next.”

Caribbean stakeholders seeking to tackle tax evasion

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Caribbean stakeholders are currently meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, looking to come up with strong recommendations to tackle the scourge of tax evasion across the Region.

The Caribbean Organisation of Tax Administrators (COTA) 23rd General Assembly and Technical Conference at the Pegasus Hotel is being held under the theme “Efficient tax administration as a catalyst to growth and development in the Caribbean Community”.

A recent Inter-American Development Bank study had found that despite marked improvements in the tax administration in Latin America and the Caribbean, tax evasion remains widespread. In the study titled: “More Than Revenue: Taxation as a Development Tool”, the bank said tax collections have increased approximately 30 percent for each dollar of output or income in Latin America and the Caribbean in the last 20 years. Most of this increase is due to improvements in tax administration. It said tax administrations now boast technical and budgetary autonomy and highly qualified professional staff, while their collection function, focusing on large taxpayers, has been strengthened, thanks in part to the widespread use of technology.

“However, the challenges facing tax administrations are greater than their achievements. A large number of workers and businesses in the Region never have contact with the tax authority. Although some are exempt by law from filing tax returns, most simply hide from the tax administration through the use of avoidance strategies or directly illegal fraud,” the study found.

According to the IDB, half of the potential collection of individual and corporate income tax is lost through evasion, along with over a quarter of the tax revenues that VAT should raise. The bank said the main reason is the probability of being punished for tax

evasion is virtually nil.

Shared experiences

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh told the gathering that there has been no time in regional history that this year’s theme has been more relevant. He stated that this conference provides the Caribbean Community with an opportunity to share experiences so that a change may occur.

Whether it is expected across the Caribbean, Minister Singh noted that there is a situation where a country’s own fiscal fragility is more evident and more stark now, than at any other time in living memory.

He noted that even the economies of the regions that have been historically regarded as more prosperous confront the challenges of being in serious debt that is inconsistent with a trajectory that would return us to debt sustainability.

According to the minister, countries face the reality of slow economic growth, the need for significant fiscal intervention to stimulate growth at a time when there is no fiscal space to finance those interventions.

“Today, it is seen that more countries are returning to institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for structural adjustment programmes aimed at strengthening a country’s macro-economic situation, improving macroeconomic balances, and in particular, focusing on economic growth, but as a subset of that, debt and fiscal sustainability as prerequisites to sustainable growth.”

The Finance Minister stated that there has been medium-term policy papers that have spoken of achievements of debt sustainability in 20 years time, and in some of those policy papers there has been ambitious reforms articulated that may place many countries across the Region under pressure to implement, if they want to achieve debt and fiscal sustainability in 20 years time.

He also noted that this is the reality across the Caribbean as countries want to make investments that are so crucial to improve quality of life for people and want to make investments that are so critical to catalyse entrenched sustained economic growth, upgrade infrastructure, improve social services, improve competitiveness of the business environments at a time when fiscal resources and fiscal space are scarce.

Joint-decision making Caricom Representative Desiree Field-Ridley in her remarks to the Tax Administrators noted that the bi-annual event in is an occasion for joint-decision making. She noted that this 23rd conference is occurring at a time when the Caribbean Community economy has not yet fully emerged from the global economic crisis, which has affected Caricom states more negatively than most developing countries, particularly, because of the underlying weaknesses in many Caribbean economies.

Field-Ridley stated that having recognised the significant need for structural change, Caricom Heads of Government has been focusing their attention on fashioning an appropriate growth agenda for the Caribbean Community, and the economy priority mandates, particularly for fiscal management, resource mobilisation and employment.

She stated that this year’s theme seeks to position tax administration in the centre of fiscal management and resource mobilisation drive, to support the much needed resurgent of economic growth in the economy, which requires both the public and private sectors.

COTA’s five-day event, which will conclude on Friday, will tackle issues such as reforming tax/revenue administrations to meet the demand for higher fiscal revenues and gearing Caricom towards generating higher revenues and current issues in tax administration. (Guyana Times)

University tuition increases in Guyana

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: The University of Guyana’ administrative council on Tuesday unanimously voted for the current tuition fees to be increased come September. The adjusted fee applies to both new and continuing students who are pursing programmes which previously attracted a fee of Gy$127,000.

Speaking to Guyanese media Tuesday afternoon, Registrar of the University of Guyana, Vincent Alexander, disclosed that the administration will be implementing the increases from the new semester which begins in September, since they are of the view that it is the best course to take if the university is to survive in the coming days.

He said the application of the new fees was determined following a series of consultations held with current students and other stakeholders in June 2014.

According to a release from the institution, continuing Guyanese students will be required to pay an incre-

mental increase beginning with Gy$130,000 in 2014, Gy$145,000 in 2015 and Gy$160,000 in 2016, in addition to the Gy$50,000 Facilities Fee, which replaces the various miscellaneous fees they previously paid. However, the fees for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Science Degree in Optometry, Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Imaging, Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science

Food shortage hits Jamaica, as drought worsens

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica's Ministry of Agriculture has concluded an assessment, which confirms a shortage of several food items, including vegetables, due to the protracted dry spell.

Checks were carried out by teams from the ministry, following reports that farming areas have been hit hard by the sharp decline in rainfall.

Donovan Stanberry, Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry, listed carrot, lettuce, tomato, onion and zucchini among the vegetables now in short supply across Jamaica.

This, according to Stanberry, was “somewhat inevitable, due to the length and severity of the drought.” He suggested that, in light of the current shortage of some produce, consumers might have to consider food substitutes, as a short term measure.

Meanwhile, despite the shortage, Stanberry disclosed that no application has been received for permits to import agricultural produce. This, he has attributed to the prohibitive price of some imported items, and the fact that the tourism sector, which is the largest consumer of vegetables in Jamaica, is currently in its off-peak season.

In the interim, the Agriculture Ministry is pursuing strategies to ease the impact of the dry spell on agricultural production. This “drought mitigation strategy” is aimed, not only at “preserving and recovering the crops in drought stricken areas," but also to expand production in areas across the country "which are getting adequate supply of rainfall," he said.

The intention was to make up for the shortfall that might occur in the drought stricken areas, as much as possible, he added. (Jamaica News)

Degree in Rehabilitation Sciences, Bachelor of Science Dental Surgery, Masters of Science in Environmental

Management, PostGraduate Diploma in Environmental Management-Climate Change and Disaster

Management and Natural Resource Management, Bachelor of Laws, Commonwealth Master of Business Administration, Commonwealth Master of Public Administration, Master in Education, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Tourism Studies and the Associate Degree in Tourism Studies programmes will not be adjusted, but the students pursuing these programmes will be required to pay the Facilities Fee of Gy$50,000.

The new Guyanese students who will be commencing students from September at the institution will be required to

pay Gy$210,000, inclusive of the Facilities Fee for most programmes, except for those listed above.

Meanwhile, though the fees for foreign students have not been adjusted, they will be required to pay the US$250 facilities fee instead of the various miscellaneous fees, which they were required to previously pay.

According to the University’s administration, the fee adjustment has become necessary because of the rising cost of providing quality education not only in Guyana, but worldwide.

(Guyana Times)

Region 10 members accuses PNCR of “fixing” Congress’ vote in Guyana

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The Region 10 People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Committee in Guyana has accused the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of allegedly trying to rig the elections for the Leader and Chairman at this weekend’s Congress billed for Congress Place, Sophia.

Committee members Leslie Gonsalves and Maurice Butters made the allegations against the CEC on Monday; three days ahead of the PNCR’s Congress slated for July 24 to 26. In defense of this bold argument, Gonsalves told media operatives on Monday that approximately 90 delegates were listed to participate in the upcoming Congress; however, the Linden Committee was recently informed that only 60 delegates would be admitted.

According to him, records show that the PNCR has a membership of approximately 800 persons in Linden, but the Central Committee is insisting that the membership is smaller; hence, only 60 delegates would be allowed to attend.

Questioned about this sudden move by the party to downsize its membership in Linden, Gonsalves related: “it is clear that the PNCR is fixing the upcoming elections. Well, the motives are simple, if you are reducing a group in terms of its delegates from in excess of 90 to 60, it is obvious you are saying to yourself, if you allow them to get 90, they are going to have their way in terms of winning whether the leadership or chairmanship of the party.”

He said the current leadership of the party is doing all in its power to “call the shot.”

According to Butters, it was discovered that the PNCR point person, who

has been accused of creating major division in the district, is hand-picking persons from the original list submitted by the Linden PNCR Committee.

Former PNCR General Secretary Aubrey Norton, a favoured Lindener would be contesting against David Granger for the leadership of the PNCR.

According to him, his decision to challenge Granger for the leadership was based on the requests of several groups and party members who believe that he understands the fundamentals of the party, and would therefore have the capacity and ability to move it forward. (Guyana Times)

Jamaica police arrest 18 suspected gangsters under new anti-gang legislation

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

The Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force reported that 17 men and one woman have been arrested in Kingston, St Andrew, Clarendon, St James and Westmoreland for various offenses under the newly-enacted anti-gang legislation.

The police stated that three of the men, Ismael Higgins, Shaquille Barnes and Christopher Lyons, are members of the ‘Scare Dem’ gang based in west Kingston who have been charged with participating in a serious offence by a crim-

inal organisation.

Three other west Kingston men, Demar James, Javanne Whoupe and Curtis Richards, have been charged for being part of, or participating in a criminal organisation. In Clarendon, the police indicated that five members of the ‘Savannah’ gang – Mario White, Kenric White, Shammar Mitchell, Henry Samuels and Grafton Friths – were arrested for participating in a serious offence by a criminal organisation.

Over in Westmoreland, the police say they arrested two members of the ‘Tony Reid’ gang,

Romario Sinclair and Linval Forrester, for impersonating law enforcement officers and being part of a criminal organisation.

The lone female in the group, Kimesha Williams, has been charged with participating in a serious offence by a criminal organisation.

The Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) Act 2014, also known as the anti-gang law, was passed by Parliament this year to target criminal gangs who the police believe are behind a majority of the murders reported in Jamaica. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Young footballer drops dead on field in Trinidad

SAN FERNANDO, TRINIDAD:

A young footballer in Trinidad collapsed and died last Friday evening after scoring a goal during a training match with his club, “Club Sando”, at Skinner Park, San Fernando.

Marcus Lawrence, 20, was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to reports, at about 6pm Lawrence fell to the ground after scoring a goal at the Skinner Park grounds. Eyewitness said that as Lawrence fell to the ground after kicking a ball, he began gasping for breath and his body began shaking involuntarily on the football field.

Lawrence had been playing football with the club for the past six years.

Lawrence’s aunt, Lisa Nelson, said she was in shock and “could not understand why” her nephew had died. She said Lawrence had a passion for football and basketball.

She said on evenings from Monday to Friday, Lawrence would train at the Skinner Park with members of the club. She also said her nephew did not have any health problems.

Lawrence was the eldest of his three siblings. A younger brother, Marli Henry, 15, said his brother was expect-

ed to play football for a team in Canada.

“He was excited and looking forward to moving to Canada to play football. Now he is gone,” Henry said as he wept. Lawrence, who lived with his siblings and mother Marlene on the Southern Main Road, La Romaine, was going to live with his father, Allison Lawrence, in Canada.

An autopsy performed Monday revealed that Lawrence died from heart valve failure. (TT Newsday)

Guyanese businessman arrested for opening fire on GRA officials

- during crackdown on smuggling ring

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The Mahaica businessman who allegedly carried out a brazen attack on Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) law-enforcement officers last Thursday evening in the vicinity of Dundee, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested last Friday.

Heeralal Motilall, also called “Jigga Harry” of Helena, Mahaica, ECD, who was arrested at his home, is expected to be slapped with several charges, including smuggling, and is likely to make a court appearance at the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court this week.

According to information received, the GRA employees maintained that Motilall led a team of gunmen who attacked them while they were executing their duties.

The attack reportedly stemmed from the interception of three mini-buses containing 150 boxes of chicken suspected to be smuggled into the country.

The GRA ranks requested the documents for the chicken, which could not have been produced.

A police source said that a number of police ranks went to the home of the man at Mahaica and conducted a thorough search for arms and ammunition, but found nothing. They also went to another farm owned by the businessman, where they searched a container, but again, they did not find any.

Nevertheless, the source stated that the police are on the hunt for the accomplices in the attack. He added that a number of spent shells, live rounds and war heads were recovered from the scene, which proved that high-powered rifles were used.

The official related that statements have been taken from law-enforcement officers and the businessman. From reports received, the Guyana Police Force will proceed to institute charges against the businessman and is optimistic that by court day, the three other men will be arrested.

According to a GRA release, the police are continuing their investigation into the gun attack. It stated at the time

of the incident, the officers were conducting a surveillance exercise based on intelligence at their disposal, hence, their interception of the mini-buses with the illegal chicken.

Shortly after the mini-buses were seized and the occupants were taken into custody, Motilall and the three men pulled up in a grey Toyota Allion motor car, exited and opened fire in the direction of the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LIED) officials. This forced the officers to retreat and take cover, while the detainees escaped in several waiting motor vehicles.

As a result of the assault, the motor vehicle used by the officers was badly damaged after being riddled with bullets, as well as two of the detained minibuses. During the attack, one of the officers was hit by pellets, allegedly from a shotgun.

Meanwhile, GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur has expressed grave concern at the extent to which persons are willing to go to ply their illegal trade, defraud the government of revenues and endanger the lives of consumers with smuggled goods.

Further, he posited that the GRA will continue to play its role and take a strong stance against such nefarious activities and criminal elements. (Guyana Times)

Guyana leads sugar production in region

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS:

The Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) says Guyana was the lead producer of sugar in the region up to the end of June.

According to the SAC, the year-to-date figure for sugar production is 499,272 tonnes.

Of this Guyana produced 218,708 tonnes followed by Jamaica with 152,868 tonnes. Belize was in third place with 113,337 tonnes and Barbados 14,359 tonnes.

The SAC says for the current sugar crop, regional producers have exported 291,524 tonnes of sugar, the bulk of which went to the European Union followed by the Caribbean Community and other markets.

Concerning exports to the EU, Chairman of the SAC, Karl James says sugar producers in the region are now considering how to dispose of sugar in the future,

in light of the depressed EU market.

At the end of July, Jamaica will dispatch its final cargo to the EU for 2013/2014.

(Caribbean News)

Jamaica's ganja takes centre stage at drug policy meeting in Budapest

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY:

Jamaica’s plan to decriminalise small amounts of ganja later this year has impressed delegates at a conference on Drug Policy and Human Rights now underway in Budapest, Hungary.

Note was taken that Jamaica would become only the first of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to decriminalise ganja when the legislation is passed, a near certainty because it enjoys bi-parisan support in the Parliament.

"As a matter of fact, the question is often asked as to how or why is it that we are only now moving in the direction of formal decriminalisation," said Raymond Pryce, Jamaica and the Caribbean's only representative at the nineday conference sponsored by the Open Society Foundation at Budapest's Central European University.

Delegates from across the globe on July 14 began discussing thematic areas including the International Treaties and Conventions, the Global War on Drugs, Availability and Accessibility of Essential Medicines, Harm and Addiction Reduction, Models for Decriminalisation, Access Management/

Antigua-Barbuda signs US$120 million luxury hotel joint venture

ST JOHN’S, ANTIGUA: On Sunday, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Sheikh Tariq bin Faisal Al Qassemi, a member of the ruling family of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for a luxury hotel project valued at US$120 million.

The sheikh signed the MOA on behalf of Al Caribi Development Ltd, the company that will develop a five star branded luxury resort at Morris Bay. The new resort will occupy 36 acres of prime beachfront property, five acres of which will be developed into a public national park facility for the use of Antiguans and Barbudans, and visiting tourists who wish to swim on the magnificent beach.

The development will be carried out by a joint venture company; however, should the company fail to perform in a

Control of Illicit Drugs, among others.

Pryce, the North East St Elizabeth MP, is a standout at the conference as the man who moved a private member' motion in the Jamaican Parliament for decriminalisation of marijuana.

But other Jamaican names familiar to delegates include reggae megastar Bob Marley who popularised ganja, Dr Albert Lockhart who, along with the late Dr Manley West, developed ganja-based drugs such as Canasol for treatment of glaucoma and Astmasol for asthma, and Dr Henry Lowe for his outstanding research work and commercial enterprise, based on ganja.

Pryce presented the work of the Barry Chevannes Commission which recommended decriminalisaton of ganja

for medicinal purposes.

"There is a lot of interest in whether or not (and if so how) Jamaica will look at supply side decriminalisation which is the approach taken in the United Kingdom with respect to opium. (This happens under strict regulation and is linked to a drug company/pharmaceutical which cultivates the poppy plant in the UK for the manufacturing of morphine and other licit opioids).

"The Central Territory State of Australia has also decriminalised the supply side. In other countries such as Portugal only the 'demand' side has been decriminalised. Therefore possession has been decriminalised but cultivation or supply has not been," the MP said. (Jamaica Observer)

specified period, Browne insisted that the land, which forms a part of the government’s contribution, reverts automatically back to the government.

“This safeguard is intended to ensure that no long drawn-out court procedure is required to settle any complications resulting from non-performance,” the Prime Minister said.

Nonetheless, the first

phase of the project is expected to break ground in six months or less, following the granting of licences and the completion of architectural renderings, approved by the relevant Antigua and Barbuda authorities. Additional phases of the development will be determined by Al Caribi Development, in consultation with the government. (Antigua Observer)

PM Kamla orders criminal probe

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar last week signalled her government’s intention to seek criminal and civil action against Harry Harnarine, founder and president of the defunct Hindu Credit Union (HCU) and members of the HCU board, which oversaw the collapse of the institution.

She made known her administration’s intent during a statement to the House of Representatives at which she tabled the Colman Report into the Commission of Inquiry into the collapse of the HCU.

Persad-Bissessar told the House she had directed Attorney General Anand Ramlogan to forward copies of the

Colman Report to both acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard SC, with a view to launching criminal investigations as recommended in Section J of the almost 400-page long Colman Report.

She said Harnarine was given TT$5.9 million in HCU funds for “personal purposes” and funds for foreign travel, while his wife received a car from the HCU (registration PBN 2827) contrary to the Larceny Act. Depositors’ funds, the Prime Minister said, were used to make a series of reckless and negligent loans and purchases.

Persad-Bissessar tabled the report hours after she received it earlier from President

Anthony Carmona who himself got the report last Wednesday by Commission Chairman Sir Anthony Colman. Persad-Bissessar said Finance Minister Larry Howai must mull the report so as to inform the drafting of new credit union legislation to prevent a recurrence of this “debilitating fiasco” by way of strengthened and more stringent regulatory standards.

Persad-Bissessar also offered sympathy to HCU victims.

She noted that upon taking office in 2010 her government had inherited the Clico and HCU crises, that had both hurt individuals even as fallout from the former had threatened economies of the region.

The resolution of the Clico crisis had burnt a TT$22 billion hole in the Treasury, she said, noting that Sir Anthony’s commission is working now to compile its report on the Clico collapse. The bailout for the HCU collapse has been put at over TT$400 million.

Persad-Bissessar indicated that her government compensated HCU and Clico depositors by paying an initial TT$75,000, and then one-to-20 year government bonds. (TT Newsday)

Canada-funded project benefiting scores of Guyanese farmers

MARA, BERBICE:

About 150 vulnerable farmers from Plegtanker to Mara in East Berbice, Corentyne, Guyana are now benefitting from a Canada-funded project aimed at enhancing their livelihood as well as their capability to handle agricultural disasters.

For years, farmers in the communities surrounding Mara have had to battle with flooding. Today these farmers are better prepared to manage such eventuality since the Caribbean Local Economic Development (CARILED) with financial support of the government of Canada provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development has provided the Mara Farmers Association (MFA) with a multipurpose mini excavator for installation and maintenance of all drains and irrigation canals, and preparation of land.

It has also provided members of the association with training in the areas of machine operation and maintenance, good agriculture practices, small farm management, low cost production techniques and post–harvest capacity building. This US$94,500 Mara Agricultural Enhancement Project was officially commissioned Monday at the Mara Community Centre.

Present were Local Government Minister Norman

Whittaker, Councillor, City of Toronto, Canada and from Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Michael Thompson, Programme Director, CARILED Alix Yule and Regional Programme Manager, CARILED, Olaf Fontennelle.

Diversification

Mara is among 25 local development projects that CARILED is at present supporting in seven Caribbean countries (Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad and

Tobago) as part of model projects whose success they hope to share throughout the region. The projects are being implemented in support with FCM, the Caribbean Association of Local Government Authorities (CALGA,) and the Caribbean Forum of Local Government Ministers.

Minister Whittaker urged the farmers to use the new technology and training to seek to not only move beyond subsistence farming, but also towards looking at crop diversification.

He warned about the reli-

ance on just one crop, noting that rice and sugar have only survived this long because of preferential markets and prices. The Mara project was chosen following a series of engagement with the community. Noting this, the minister also said that this was in consonance with government’s policies of taking the bottoms up approach, whereby communities are always engaged in their own development.

Meanwhile, Thompson was quick to point out to the farmers that it was not just the

Canadian government to be thanked, but also Guyanese living in Canada. He pointed out that part of the resources that the Canadian government has in order to fund projects like CARILED would have come through the Diaspora; their contribution in making an investment back into their own communities.

Collaboration

He said that the support will enable the farmers to continue to play their vital role of enriching the country. “You enrich by the products that you produce, and I think that really is something that you ought to celebrate because that makes you the people who feed, the bread basket of the country,” he indicated.

The CARILED is aimed at supporting local government authorities by strengthening their competencies to sustain the growth and viability of existing enterprises, attract new ventures, and put in place services, plans and strategies that meet their business needs. It is being implemented in Four Regions in Guyana; 2, 3, 4 and 6.

The projects being executed include the Friendship Swine Development Project in Region 4, Tapakuma Women’s Agriculture Diversification in Region 2, and the Canal Polders Green Initiative in Region 3. (GINA)

Former Dominica national cricketer dies in road accident

ROSEAU, DOMINICA:

Dominica’s former national cricketer Gifford Walsh has died following a vehicular accident last Saturday evening.

Walsh was driving a vehicle in a southerly direction when it collided with another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction on the Macoucherie public road, police said.

Walsh lost control of the vehicle after impact

as it overturned, and was pronounced dead on the scene by a medical officer.

“Gifford Walsh was truly a nice person, someone who dedicated a lot of his time to cricket and someone who really loved cricket,” president of the Dominica Cricket Association, Emanuel Nanthan told Dominican media on Monday.

“Walsh was a giant who worked very hard for cricket development and his death is a tremendous

loss for the Dominican cricketing fraternity”.

Walsh was a former national wicket keeper and batsman, a member of the Cavalier’s Sports Club, the Dominica Cricket Association and a national selector.

He served on the executive of the Association for the past ten years in the capacity of assistant secretary/treasurer and events coordinator for regional and international games.

“It is with sadness and

regret that we have this occasion,” said Nathan.

“But it is here and we want to extend our support to Mrs. Walsh, the children and the grand children and we will do the outmost that we can to assist in whatever way possible”.

Prior to his death, Walsh was helping to coordinate the upcoming West Indies Women’s Cricket League, along with his wife Regina Walsh who is also a Roseau City Councilor.

Digicel to buy Telstar Cable in Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Digicel has inked a deal to buy Telstar Cable Limited's cable and fibre network in Jamaica.

Upon approval from the Broadcasting Commission, the telecommunications giant plans to expand network coverage for cable TV, broadband and telephony services and increase offering of products, services and content available to cable customers in Jamaica.

Telstar's Flo Darby said the that the 20-year-old subscriber television service provider had long wanted to expand but lacked the capital.

"Over time we added a few zones but we needed to expand further, however, we did not have the capital resources to undertake the expansion and so we had wanted a good corporate company to invest in what we wanted to achieve; an entity that would allow us to soar and to provide services to our customers in areas that we have not be able to," she said.

The company currently operates in Kingston and St Andrew, as well as, parts of St Catherine, including Portmore and Caymanas.

Digicel's expansion will be significant, according to the telecoms, which will face strong competition from Columbus Communications, which trades as Flow in Jamaica.

At the end of 2013, Flow's network already passed 310,000 homes, according to the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR). There are an estimated 850,000 dwellings islandwide.

It also accounted for 48 percent of fixed line broadband subscriptions compared to LIME's 52 percent.

The purchase of Telstar will be Digicel's fourth Caribbean cable acquisition since last November.

The three companies it bought before provide cable TV and Internet services across five markets-Anguilla, Dominica, Montserrat, Nevis, and Turks

and Caicos Islands.

Flow's parent, Columbus International, also has a leg up in the region.

It boasts over 650,000 residential and corporate customers across eight countries--Antigua, Barbados, Curacao, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad.

Columbus operates on a ringed submarine fiber-optic network spanning more than 42,300 kilometre and its 38,000 km terrestrial fibre and coaxial network. In December 2013, Digicel entered into a share and asset purchase agreement with Global Caribbean Fibre to acquire certain submarine fibre assets in the Eastern Caribbean region. The deal will provide Digicel with a wholly-owned submarine fibre optic cable network of approximately 2,100 km providing capacity from Trinidad to Guadeloupe. (Jamaica Observer)

Worst of the drought is yet to come, Jamaicans warned

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Robert Pickersgill warned Jamaicans Sunday night to brace for worsening drought conditions and more water restrictions.

The minister in a national televised broadcast said that the drought had worsened considerably in several communities and that the dry spell was expected to continue for much longer. He stated that the inflows into several of the country's large reservoirs were well below normal and that the country did not receive the amount of rainfall for the usually wet months of May and June. Several of the country's rural water systems had also been affected.

"Fellow Jamaicans, this is a challenge, and it is one that is made worse by higher temperatures and windy conditions, that provide the perfect combination for bush fires, which, given the present water shortage, will be difficult to control and extinguish," said Pickersgill.

"Even more troubling are the meteorological projections. The El Nino weather phenomenon that is at present affecting our weather pattern is projected to continue and will result

in no significant increase of rainfall even during the next rainy season, which is from October to November," he added.

Hardest hit areas

“Preliminary rainfall figures for the month of June indicate that Jamaica received only 30 percent of its normal rainfall and all parishes, with the exception of sections of Westmoreland (54 percent), were in receipt of less than half of their normal rainfall. The southern parishes of St Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St Catherine, Kingston & St Andrew and St Thomas along with St Mary and Portland were hardest hit," Pickersgill said.

Clarendon, he said, received only two percent of its normal rainfall followed by Manchester with four percent, St

Thomas, six percent, St Mary 8, percent and 12 percent for Kingston and St Andrew.

Additionally, the minister indicated that inflows into the Mona Reservoir from the Yallahs and Negro Rivers are now at 4.8 million gallons per day, which is among the lowest since the construction of the Yallahs Pipeline in 1986, while inflows into the Hermitage Dam are currently at six million gallons per day, down from more than 18 million gallons per day during the wet season.

Pickersgill also stated that 120 of the 460 rural water systems that are manned by the National Water Commission had so far been affected.

However, he said the ministry had deployed 40 trucks to the affected parishes islandwide includ-

ing the worse affected ones such as Clarendon and St Elizabeth and that water trucks would continue to service those parishes until normal rainfall was restored.

Response measures

Also, Pickersgill highlighted that parish councillors and members of Parliament had been given additional funds to finance the trucking of the water in their respective division and that Cabinet had approved a submission for additional funds to truck water under the Rapid Response Programme, on which Ja$85 million had already been spent.

In addition to those measures, the NWC had started a range of initiatives under the Emergency Water Management Measures tailored to meet specific needs of each area or system, which included harnessing additional water for treatment and distribution from new and restored sources and the sharing of water from the least-affected systems with the worst-affected areas.

The measures also include water restrictions which prohibits citizens from watering gardens, lawns, grounds and farms and washing car, pavements or roadways and also barred them from filling tanks, ponds or swimming pools.

(Jamaica Observer)

Trinidad police arrest foreigners suspected to be involved in sex trade

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: A round-up by police over the weekend, at several nightclubs, bars, pleasure dens and restaurants in Trinidad, has resulted in the arrest of 54 foreign nationals including men and women, some of whom police believe, were brought in to service the local sex trade.

Police arrested 37 nationals of the Dominican Republic, among them seven men, during a raid at a Chaguanas nightclub during the early morning hours Monday.

According to a police report, between the hours of 11 pm on Sunday and 5 am Monday, officers executed a search warrant at a night club in Chase Village.

The officers arrested 30 women and seven men, all from the Dominican Republic. They are to be charged with entering the country illegally, violating immigration laws and engaging in human trafficking.

An Asian restaurateur and a Santa Cruz businessman—believed responsible for bringing in these illegal foreign nationals—were also arrested and are assisting police in their investigations.

Also assisting in the exercise were officers of the Central Division Crime Unit and Task Force.

The arrests Monday brought to 54, the total number of foreign nationals held at nightclubs over the weekend.

At 1 am last Saturday, officers from the Counter Trafficking Unit, Special Branch, South Western Division, CID and Guard and Emergency Branch, in an exercise, arrested 17 female nationals of the

Dominican Republic at a nightclub in Penal.

Among the females was a 15-year-old girl who police officers found hiding in the ceiling of the nightclub. Police also seized documents from the proprietor in relation to the business place since the licence was found to contain irregularities.

Police also revealed that the business place has been under surveillance for sometime and upon entering the establishment they found an elaborate system of electronic locked gates and remote monitoring CCTV cameras.

Two men associated with the establishment are expected to be charged for human trafficking. (TT Newsday)

Teen charged for allegedly murdering GuySuCo foreman in Guyana B

ERBICE, GUYANA: Days after reportedly confessing to the murder of GuySuCo foreman Ravendranauth Thirkha in Guyana, a teenager was on Monday arraigned with murder at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

Vishal Michael Edwards, 19, called “Uncle Roy” of Number 77 Village Housing Scheme and of Church Street, Number 78 Village, Corriverton, was remanded to prison by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that between Monday, July 14 and Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at Number 78 Corriverton, Berbice, he murdered Thirkha. The young man was unrepresented and the case was transferred to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court for August 8.

It was reported that the young man, along with another, was arrested one day after the discovery of the foreman’s body and during the interrogation, he reportedly confessed to killing Thirkha. He also admitted to robbing him of his personal belongings.

The GuySuCo foreman was on his way home from a get-togeth-

er when the suspects confronted him and demanded that he hand over his personal items, according to reports. The suspect reportedly admitted that he used a piece of cloth to strangle the 52-year-old man.

The teen is reportedly a known character to the police, as he had been questioned before in connection with several robberies.

Thirkha, of Lot 485 Block 19, Line Path, Skeldon, was found last Tuesday morning lying face down at the Number 68 Foreshore with blood oozing from his mouth. A post-mortem performed on the body of the man proved that he was strangled. (Guyana Times)

Rediscover Home Campaign draws large family reunion to Guyana

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

On Monday evening, more than 200 descendants of John Rimple who lived 100 years ago, including the more than 65 who returned home from the United Kingdom and the United States, kicked off their family reunion at Park Vue Hotel, East Bank Demerara in Guyana.

Guyana has been their destination of choice for the reunion, which has been held for the past two years.

Special invitees included President Donald Ramotar, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali and Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh.

President Ramotar pointed out that families are the bedrock and

pillar of any society and that the reunion is a good way to promote a more tight-knit family. In his remarks, Minister Ali also applauded the family for choosing Guyana. Ali boasted that Guyana was adjudged one of the top countries to visit in 2014 by Discovery and one of the countries to visit in one’s lifetime by the BBC.

He noted that a number of family and school reunions will be hosted in Guyana this year, as the benefits of the Rediscover Home Campaign launched last year are now being reaped. For instance, more than 400 Guyanese are expected to return home next month for the Tutorial High School reunion. (Guyana Times)

Lindeners gets new Magistrates' Court

LINDEN, GUYANA: “In an ordered society, courts have an important role to play…” acting Chancellor of the Judiciary in Guyana, Justice Carl Singh said, as he re-christened the Christianburg Magistrates’ Courts, Linden Magistrate’s Court and revealed that it will soon be part of a larger Upper Demerara Magisterial District, complete with a resident magistrate.

Present at the ceremony last Friday in the mining town were Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, Magistrate Clive Nurse, Justice Singh and Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry who chaired the event, among other special invitees.

The Chancellor explained that it was his intention to merge Linden with the Kwakwani and Ituni districts into the Upper Demerara Magisterial District, and said the law should be upheld by all, regardless of their status in society.

He added that the courts are not only about punishment, but are a place where persons seek to assert their fundamental human rights. Justice Singh also thanked Solomon for his cooperation in making the event possible.

In his remarks, the Attorney General said the Linden Magistrate’s Court is a product of the recently-concluded Justice Modernisation Sector Programme. He noted that magistrate’s courts,

including Linden’s, rehabilitated under the programme, are now being equipped with residential facilities for the magistrates, in an effort to improve delivery. The newlycommissioned building, situated at Burnham Drive, Wismar, was built after the former magistrate’s court at Christianburg, Wismar, was destroyed by fire in April 2011.

The Attorney General stressed that Linden Magistrate’s Court will soon be declared a new magisterial district with its own office. This means that Lindeners in need of certain services, such as child support, will no longer have to travel to Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop in order to access the services.

In his address, Regional

Chairman Solomon said it was indeed a proud moment for the community, to have restored the building which represents justice for the people. Solomon called for the constitutional rights of all citizens to be upheld and for all Guyanese to be adequately represented by the judicial system.

He expressed gratitude to Chancellor Singh for ensuring that the people of the region have an opportunity at justice, through the re-commissioning of the courthouse.

Following the presentations, the ribbon was cut and the plaque unveiled by Justice Singh and Minister Nandlall to officially declare the building open.

TT$40 million Chuck E Cheese opens in Chaguanas

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Yay

Entertainment launched the first chain in its TT$40 million investment into the Chuck E Cheese franchise when operations officially opened for business at Brentwood, Chaguanas, Trinidad, last Wednesday.

Speaking with the media at a special pre-opening event, Joanna Rostant, one of the directors at Yay Entertainment, said the investment at the 14,000 square-foot Brentwood branch ran into millions of dollars, but did not disclose the figure. Rostant said the operations at Brentwood would generate employment for around 60 people from both inside and outside the community. She said more employment should be coming when two other branches open at north and south, respectively. She said Chaguanas was chosen because of its rapid growth in business and its growing population density.

The area is on the upswing and is poised to be the next city in Trinidad and was easily accessible by consumers from north and south.

Chuck E Cheese is a North American franchise that has around 470 company owned locations in the United States and Canada that incorporates the use of entertainment machines and video games. The facility also sells pizza and other fast foods. (TT Guardian)

Berbice investors open multi-million dollar asphalt plant in Guyana

BERBICE, GUYANA: A more than Gy$100 million modern asphalt plant was last Saturday evening commissioned in Tarlogie Village, Corentyne Berbice in Guyana.

The plant is the first of its kind in the Ancient

be supplied to all contractors for the building of roads; there will also be machinery and equipment available to all construction firms so as to complete work in a timely and efficient manner. In addition, we would also be looking to ensure that stones are readily available in Berbice.”

He also thanked the government for providing opportunities for investors.

in Guyana’s economy. The company will facilitate the continued maintenance, development and rehabilitation of new structures of roads in Berbice.

County and will serve to provide quality asphaltic concrete. It is the brainchild of Peter Lewis and family of Associated Construction Services. Present at the commis-

sioning ceremony were Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, Minister within the Finance Ministry Juan Edghill, Member of Parliament Faizal Jafarally, PPP Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha and Regional Vice Chairman Bhopaul Jagroo, among others.

According to Joseph Lewis, brother of Peter

Lewis, the plant is fully computerised and has the ability to produce 60 tonnes per hour. He noted that it is their vision to reach 120 tonnes per hour in the near future and, at the same time, provide employment for many Berbicians.

“Associated Construction Services is committed to ensure that high-quality asphalt will

Recognising the many roads being done across the region, Minister Benn underscored the need for an asphalt plant in Berbice.

He highlighted that now there is a permanent one, many issues will be resolved and with the investment in such a plant, roads are expected to have longer surface life.

He congratulated the Lewis family for taking on the initiative of investing

The asphalt plant was sourced from India, and an Engineer from the Vidayak Plants assisted in the installation and training. The new plant is now one of five in Guyana Regional Vice Chairman Jagroo said that an asphalt plant in the region was one of the things that were hindering progress of road works in the region.

He said now with the plant at their disposal, the region would work to have more asphaltic roads in Berbice.

The Associated Construction Services Asphalt Plant have thus far produced some 800 tonnes of asphalt that has already been utilised countrywide.

Trinidad cops charged for allegedly setting teen on fire

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Seven police officers including a female officer, from the Princes Town Police Station in Trinidad appeared in court last week charged with misbehaviour in public office related to setting fire to a teenager at that police station last December.

The seven appeared in the San Fernando Magistrate’s First Court after DPP Roger Gaspard instructed that officers of the Police Service

Professional Standards Bureau charge them.

The accused, Cpl Roger Reid, 45, of Silk Cotton Trace, Siparia; PC Byron Dookie, 34, of Cumuto Road, Barrackpore; Andre Watson, 34, of Roystonia, Couva; Simon Marshall, 27, of Point Lisas Gardens, Couva; Pradeep Ramadhain, 26, of San Pedro Road, Poole; Atiba Teesdale, 22, of Hillside Gardens, Buen Intento and WPC Amarali appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark

Wellington.

They were not called upon to plead as the charge of misbehaviour in public office by committing grievous bodily harm on a person while in police custody was laid indictably. The six male officers were represented by attorney Richard Valere who told the court that the men had unblemished records and were not likely to abscond.

The magistrate then set bail at TT$50,000 with a surety for each of the seven officers.

Last December, 18-year-old Jamerson John filed a report claiming he was stripped to his underpants and doused with methylated spirit and set on fire at the Princes Town Police Station.

At the time the teenager was detained for housebreaking and larceny in Moruga, an accusation which he steadfastly denied. John suffered burns to his hip, legs and genital area and had to seek medical treatment. Through his attor-

Some 15,000 Jamaican youth to benefit from digital employment opportunities

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES: About 15,000 young Jamaicans will benefit from training, digital work opportunities and seed investments to boost the digital and animation industries in the country as a result of a US$20 million loan for a youth employment in digital and animation industries project approved last Friday by the World Bank board of directors.

“This project facilitates Jamaica’s linkage into one of the fastest growing sectors in the global economy,” said Jamaica’s Minister of State for Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Julian Robinson. “It is our strongest national thrust to date to mobilise the considerable creative and entrepreneurial talent among our youth towards earning our way to a brighter future.”

Global animation is a growing industry currently valued around US$220 billion per year. International companies are increasingly looking at Jamaica as a country of choice for outsourcing animation production. As part of its “Vision 2030 Jamaica” plan, the government is looking at the information and communication technology (ICT) sector as playing a central role in the transformation of the country over the next two decades, moving Jamaica from being a consumer to also become a producer of digital platforms and content.

"Youth unemployment in Jamaica is about 30 percent. This initiative spearheaded by the government

is about providing opportunities for new talents to get new skills, find jobs or become entrepreneurs,” said Sophie Sirtaine, World Bank country director for the Caribbean.

“For the technology sector to become an engine for growth and employment, it requires the right environment with training opportunities and the right partnership between governments, private sector and young people”, she added.

This project builds on successful pilots in Digital Jam 2.0 and 3.0 and KingstOOn which helped create new startups and position the Caribbean as a potential hub for the tech industry, linking the region’s youth with digital entrepreneurs, angel investors and centers of excellence in the Silicon Valley and across Latin America. Recently, a number of Jamaican tech-savvy entrepreneurs also embarked in a 100-day accelerator program supported by the World Bank and the Development Bank of Jamaica.

Specifically, the youth employment in digital and animation industries project will provide training and coaching to 2,000 young Jamaicans, to enhance entrepreneurial skills and employability; create about 150 startup companies in Jamaica; establish “Startup Jamaica,” a physical hub for tech entrepreneurs; and mobilise up to US$7 million seed funding for tech entrepreneur startups. (Caribbean News)

ney Petronilla Basdeo, a report was subsequently made to the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) and following investigations, a file was

instructed officers of the Professional Standards Bureau to charge the seven. (TT Newsday)

Another batch of Guyanese doctors completes internship at Suddie

By IndrawattIe natram

ESSEQUIBO, GUYANA:

Twenty-four fledging doctors have successfully completed their one-year internship programme at Suddie Public Hospital in Guyana.

A simple graduation ceremony, last Friday, courtesy of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Guyana, at the hospital’s Boardroom marked the culmination of the medical apprenticeship of the doctors who had trained in Cuba for six years before embarking on the internship.

In his address at the ceremony, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud commended the Cuban government with whom Guyana enjoys a good bilateral relationship, for training the Guyanese doctors.

He congratulated the 24 new doctors and said they will provide a significant boost to the health sector, noting that fulltime services will be offered to the public at health centres on the Essequibo Coast.

He told graduates, parents, doctors and other hospital of-

ficials present that the Cuban Medical Brigade in Guyana is doing an excellent job, and owing to their efforts, the health sector has been enhanced.

In her remarks to the graduates, Director of the Teaching Process of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Guyana Ana Antonia Fernandez Assan, said the internship programme was successfully achieved with a 100 percent pass rate. She noted that in this present batch, the programme was realised with quality and the results of students are recognised.

The Director stressed that “a doctor is like a Pastor, a missionary and a crusader of health” and stated that the training was made possible through the spirit of kind solidarity of Cuba.

Beginning of journey

Regional Health Officer (RHO) Allison Brown also congratulated the doctors on completing their course, and thanked their parents and relatives for supporting them during their six years of study in Cuba. Brown told the doctors that it was the beginning of their journey and urged them to continue to do research.

The RHO also advised the young doctors to always take correction and guidance from senior doctors, professionals and experienced nurses.

The top graduating doctors were Amit Rajpersaud of Hubu Backdam, Parika, Region Three; and Jewel Chester of Linden, Region 10.

Dr Rajpersaud stated that studying in Cuba was the best opportunity given to him, and expressed thanks to his teachers, parents and the government of Cuba.

Dr Chester also expressed gratitude to the government of Cuba. She added that she enjoyed her training at the Suddie Public Hospital, and was aspiring to become a great medical officer.

Dr Rajpersaud’s mother, Angela Persaud, who was present at the ceremony was very happy and proud of her son’s success.

She said herself and her husband, a sawmill foreman, supported Rajpersaud during his study in Cuba and she has seen the results of their efforts today.

(Guyana Times)

Jamaica launches ‘90 Days of Summer’

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Dr. Wykeham McNeill last Wednesday officially launched the ‘Jamrock Summer–90 Days 90 Ways’ programme, which is aimed at promoting Jamaica as a yearround entertainment destination.

The launch, which took place at Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel in Montego Bay, will see a major push being made towards attracting international visitors to the island, as well as encouraging Jamaicans to support local entertainment activities across the country.

“We have taken all of our events that are going on during these 90 days of summer and packaged them in a way that it is easy to sell. From the festivals to culinary activities, sporting activities and fashion shows…For years, people see Jamaica as a place they can escape for the winter so we are now pushing to promote Jamaica as a place where they can go and enjoy themselves during the summer,” the minister said.

He informed that the initiative is being spearheaded by the Entertainment Board, and is a concept on

which work started over a year ago. He said that the response from the stakeholders has been very encouraging.

“Once they (the stakeholders) are participating in these activities, it earns more for Jamaica which is the bottom line. We want to constantly increase the number of visitors but we also want to increase the spend of each visitor,” he pointed out.

The ministry and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) are funding the initiative and Dr. McNeill informed that there is no new budget for the promotion.

“What we have done is to pull it all together and packaged it…put websites together, put the marketing together, working with the JTB and put a booking engine behind the websites. It’s not a lot of money…you are using activities that are there…what you are really doing is to increase the marketing of those activities… it’s an on-going practice that we have and it’s not a huge spend,” he explained.

The ‘90 days, 90 ways’ programme runs from the Memorial Weekend through to Labour Day in the United States, covering the months of June, July and August. (JIS)

BK Group entering Guyana’s aviation sector

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: After years of dominating Guyana’s mining and construction sectors, the BK Group of Companies is expanding its services in an area out of their comfort zone, the aviation sector, and will be introducing a new domestic airline.

BK Group of Companies Public Relations Consultant Alex Graham said the local aviation sector has been busy, particularly with heavy traffic in the domestic flights; hence, the reason for the investment.

He disclosed that over the past two weeks, the company acquired ownership of a domestic company, Jags Aviation, and is currently processing the

necessary documents to begin flights.

The new company is expected to have seven aircraft in its fleet, some of which will operate from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) because of their size.

The company will commence operations by providing domestic services, but will move to include regional flights.

“…The whole idea is to provide expanded capacity…a lot of our interest is expanding infrastructure to explore Guyana so we want to provide services to people who are visiting Guyana to see its tourism products,” Graham stated.

While Graham declined to say how soon the

company will commence operations, he reiterated that efforts are being made to get it into operation.

Investors’ confidence

Meanwhile, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan

Ali lauded the BK Group for investing in the local aviation sector. He noted that the investment shows investors’ confidence in the local market.

Ali also pointed out that his ministry has ob-

served an unwelcome increase in fares and has spoken to some of the airlines. He pledged his full support to models that have economic returns and ensures profitability, but said he will not support one that seeks to exploit the market, especially at a time when demand is high and capacity is low.

Nevertheless, the acting Tourism Minister said that there has been a tremendous development in Guyana’s airlift sector, adding that the travelling population is growing; hence, the need for more airlines to work the local scene.

He explained that while government welcomes such development and wants to see more,

their hands are tied since they are experiencing difficulties with space at the CJIA.

“Our ability to manage effectively and efficiently and with less hassle as possible the movement of people and the movement of bags and luggage and safety and security is as a result of our inability to expand the airport and this is because of the Opposition’s continued nonsensical position in not supporting the expansion of this airport,” Ali vented.

The acting Tourism Minister opined that expansion of the airport is no longer a question of whether it should be done, since it is one of the most important projects for the country. (Guyana Times)

Jamaica police seize Ja$600 million worth of counterfeit items

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Nine men were arrested last Thursday in Jamaica during a major operation that led to the shutdown of an underground factory that was being used to manufacture millions of dollars worth of fake Clarks shoes.

Police said the men will be slapped with several charges, including breaches of the Trademark Copyright Act.

Head of the AntiTrafficking in Persons and Intellectual Property Vice Squad of the Organised Crime Investigative Division, Deputy Superintendent Carl Berry, said about 1:00 pm the police, acting on intelligence, swooped down on a wooden twostorey premises located on East Queens Street across from the Kingston Central Police Station

where they carried out a four-hour operation.

"Hundreds of pairs of fake Clarks shoes ready for the market were seized along with thousands of dollars worth of equipment used to make the items," a police spokesman related.

Police said that intelligence suggested that the factory was being operated at the location for over two years and was likely to have produced thousands of the fake shoes, valued at millions of dollars, for the local market.

A source told Jamaican media that the factory not only supplied the fake Clarks to stores in and around the Jamaican capital, Kingston, but also had a factory outlet that provided direct sales to the public, including members of the police force, who would pay Ja$4,000 per pair. The retail price in stores would be about

Ja$12,000.

Senior officers of the constabulary said that they would be carrying out an investigation into the allegations that mem-

St. Vincent Cocoa Company closes

KINGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT:

The government says it will plan the way forward for the cocoa industry after owners of the St. Vincent Cocoa Company announced their decision to cease operations last week.

According to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar was slated to meet with the firm on Monday.

The company began operating in August 2011 after signing a 50year agreement with the Gonsalves government.

“…it is clear that they probably feel that the amount of money

to be made…they probably feel that enough farmers haven’t come forward to plant cocoa; but the state will keep with the cacao industry,” Gonsalves told the media.

The agreement, which qualified for review after 20 years, gave Amajaro exclusivity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to buy cocoa beans, in wet and dry form and to perform all sales and marketing of cocoa within the period of the agreement.

It, however, made exception for cottage industry persons selling cocoa for consumption in the country.

“They haven’t spoken in any detail about

the reasons,” Gonsalves said when asked what reasons the company gave for pulling out of St. Vincent.

“I think the general statement has been the new owners not seeing the light for a few years,” he said.

He said the Cocoa Company would leave is assets and infrastructure for the government for “continuation of the process”.

“We are interested in continuing the process. A company came in, if they decide for their own commercial reasons to pull out, it doesn’t mean that there is not a space for cocoa,” Gonsalves indicated (Caribbean News)

bers of the police force supported the illegal activity by purchasing the

fake Clarks shoes.

The lockdown led to a protest by a few downtown Kingston residents, who criticised the police for clamping down on the 'little man'.

"The counterfeit market is a multimillion-dollar market and the police not clamping down on the bigger players importing the goods to Jamaica but want to pressure the small man who just trying to earn," said one woman.

She was among a group of men women and children who gathered in the area and watched as police led away the men from the shoe factory.

Last Thursday’s raid was the latest to be carried out under operations 'Swirl' and 'Push Back', which target perpetrators of intellectual property crimes which have been

raking in millions into the coffers of organised criminal networks.

DSP Berry said the recent raid pushed the number of counterfeit good seized since last Monday to almost Ja$600 million.

Several counterfeit items have been seized by the police in operations carried out in the parishes of St Mary, Kingston and St Catherine.

Among the items seized were two truckloads of counterfeit or knockoff Clarks shoes, bootleg rum, fake pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, and a quantity of compact discs (CDs) and digital video discs (DVDs). The police also seized a quantity of computer hard drives and other equipment during the raids. (Jamaica Observer)

Jamaica health facilities to generate energy from sewage

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

In another 19 months, six health facilities across Jamaica will be able to generate energy from the upgrading of their sewerage system through anaerobic technology developed by the Scientific Research Council (SRC), and funded with a Ja$389 million (US$3.47 million) grant from the National Health Fund (NHF).

The anaerobic technology, which is patented by the SRC, protects the environment because of its low carbon process that contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission, and prevents the uncontrolled emission of methane (gas that has no smell) into the atmosphere.

General manager at Marketech, an arm of the SRC, Roslyn Fisher, outlined the benefits that can be derived from the waste treatment technology.

“It uses waste to generate energy, or ‘cash from trash.’ And, the process does not require electricity, so you can reduce on power supply sources,” she noted.

“The biogas that is generated from the system can be used for heat-

ing purposes, cooking and providing electricity. It is odourless, with little or no maintenance, and it is environmentally friendly,” Fisher added.

Cost effective

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Phillip Paulwell, who spoke at the re-

cent launch of the project at the Percy Junor Hospital, said the collaboration of the SRC, which is an agency of his ministry, with the Ministry of Health, must be seen as a practical “demonstration of cost effective application of technology to add value

to the lives of people.”

He said the energy from the system should be utilised in the running of the health facilities, which will result in savings.

To date, the SRC has commissioned some 500 wastewater treatment systems, inclusive of biodigesters across the island, at the residential and commercial levels.

The ministry has a clear policy on utilising waste for productive purposes, such as energy generation.

For his part, Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson, said that the project is historic, and the scientific aspect of it is part of measures that must be embarked on for all aspects of institutional development.

“These are strategic decisions that we are taking, and we believe that it is a most important project. When we move from this phase,

we will move to phase 2, taking on six additional hospitals. This is going to continue a process that is far-reaching,” he said.

While noting that part of the mandate of the National Health Fund is to facilitate well equipped health facilities, chief executive officer, Everton Anderson stated that “the proper disposal and management of sewage is an important part of environmental management and the National Health Fund is only happy to play a part in upgrading the plants at the six health facilities.”

Fisher said the health facilities, at the end of the project, “will have a fully functioning waste water treatment system.”

“We will have a cost effective environmentally friendly system for the health sector,” Fisher added. (JIS)

GuySuCo’s Gy$42 billion debt trouble legislators

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has debts of more than Gy$42 billion, with billions owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Last Thursday, Finance Director Paul Bhim disclosed that GuySuCo’s long-term debt stood at US$112 million or Gy$23.072 billion, while the shortterm debt totals Gy$19.4 billion. At the time, he was responding to questions posed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member Desmond Trotman, when GuySuCo appeared before the Parliamentary

Sectoral Committee on Economic Services.

Bhim explained that of the US$112 million, the World Bank loaned GuySuCo US$56 million, while US$32 million was borrowed from the Exim Bank of China and US$24 million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). According to him, the loans were taken to primarily finance the Skeldon Sugar Factory.

But it was Bhim’s breakdown of GuySuCo’s short-term debt that raised eyebrows in the Economic Services Committee, placing the sugar company under further scrutiny.

Of the Gy$19.4 billion, the Financial Director

said GuySuCo owes GRA Gy$2.7 billion for PAYE and Gy$729 million is outstanding for NIS. According to him, the Corporation has not paid NIS for the last four months, a situation which was described by members of the Committee as “worrying”.

With Gy$800 million paid in overdraft approximately three days ago, the Corporation now has an indebtedness of Gy$2.5 billion to seven commercial banks in Guyana. Corporation and property taxes owed amount to approximately Gy$3 billion while Gy$1.4 billion is outstanding for the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund. To add to its high level of indebted-

Caricom, Japan to hold first summit

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD : Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the first-ever Caricom-Japan Summit on July 28 in Trinidad and Tobago. Since 1993, Caricom and Japan have enjoyed friendly relations and this summit signals a quantum leap in their engagement as it is the first time that a Japanese Prime Minister is visiting the region. It is being held during the designated CaricomJapan Friendship Year to observe two decades

of relationship in diverse fields such as culture, trade and tourism; and a special logo has been created to symbolically ex-

press this relationship.

The summit’s agenda issues for discussion include: The vulnerabilities of Caricom and the necessary cooperation for its sustainable growth; strengthening exchanges and the bonds of friendship; and deepening cooperation in the international arena.

The official opening of the summit will be addressed by Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; Trinidad of Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar; Caricom Chair and Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne; and Prime Minister Abe.

ness, GuySuCo recently took a one-year loan from the National Commercial Bank of Jamaica totalling Gy$3 billion or US$15 million. According to the Finance Director, the loan was taken to finance the operations of the sugar corporation.

Worrying elements

In response, the Economic Services Committee Chairman, APNU parliamentari-

an Carl Greenidge said GuySuCo’s overdrafts are not alarming because of the economic make-up of the Corporation but the level of indebtedness to GRA and NIS was.

The APNU Shadow Finance Minister wasted no time in grilling Bhim on mechanisms in place to clear the billions owed primarily to GRA, NIS and the Sugar Industry Welfare Fund in the

short and medium term.

“We actually started to repay the NIS, we have actually repaid a third of that amount and we have plans to actually catch up with the backlog in another three to four months,” Bhim explained in his response. He said once GuySuCo starts to ship sugar out to Europe following the second crop, NIS will be paid in full.

(Guyana Times)

Canadian company finds new oil in Trinidad

toronto-listed touchstone exploration inc said it has “successfully drilled four wells in total” in trinidad

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Toronto-listed

Touchstone Exploration Inc, a company that already gets 70 percent of its oil production from Trinidad, announced it found “net oil pay” at three of the four new wells it has drilled so far in 2014.

In a July 17 release on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), the company told investors the wells were the first of a 21 well drilling programme in 2014. In the industry, “pay” is a reservoir or portion of a reservoir formation that contains economically producible hydrocarbons.

In its operations update to the TSX, Touchstone said it “achieved average field estimated production for the first 13 days of July of 2,275 barrels per day; 1,769 barrels per day in Trinidad and 506 barrels per day in Canada; drilled and cased four

wells in Trinidad; established positive operating cash flows from our Kerrobert (Canada) property in June 2014.”

To date, the company said it has “successfully drilled four wells in total” in TT.

Two wells were drilled on the Forest Reserve WD-8 Block, one well on the Grand Ravine WD-4 Block, and one well on the Cory Moruga Block.

The two wells on Touchstone’s WD-8 property were drilled to total measured depths of approximately 4,000 feet.

The second well (FR1748) encountered in excess of 280 feet of net oil pay in the shallow section, of which 110 feet is in the Lower Forest, 85 feet in the Upper Cruse, and 85 feet in the Middle Cruse formation. Additional oil pay in the deeper Lower Cruse section will be quantified following cased hole logging operations.

The Cory Moruga well—where Touchstone has a 16.2 percent non-

operated working interest—successfully reached its targeted total depth of approximately 6,600 feet. Testing and completion programmes are currently being drafted by the contract operator for execution in the near future, the company said.

Over the last quarter, a lease automatic custody transfer (LACT) unit on WD-8 property became operational, the company noted. The LACT unit allows for greater production capacity in the field and will no longer restrict production capabilities at the wellheads. Similar upgrades to the facilities at Coora were successfully installed and are currently awaiting regulatory certification, the company added.

Touchstone continues to finalise both of its exploration and production licences on its East Brighton and Ortoire properties, the statement indicated. (TT Guardian)

Two gays killed by spurned lover in Guyana

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Tragedy struck for three families in Guyana during the wee hours of Sunday morning when a young man who was spurned by his lover went in search of vengeance. The East Coast Demerara resident fatally stabbed two commercial sex workers before allegedly turning

himself into a human torch.

Dead are Carlyle Sinclair, 24, also known as “Tyra Banks” of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo; Jason John, 23, also known as “Jada” of Lamaha Street, Alberttown, Georgetown; and Samuel Bristol, 31, of 16 Section ‘C’ Nabaclis.

Bristol attacked and stabbed Sinclair and John on Leopold Street about 01:45h on Sunday morning. Sinclair, however, ran a few blocks

away to Lombard Street, in the vicinity of ARK Enterprises, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Speaking with Guyanese media at the scene on Sunday, Romario Lovell also known as “Thin Slice”, related that he was the initial target of the attack by Bristol.

Bristol allegedly stabbed John and Sinclair after he learned that they had encouraged him (Lovell) to work as a commercial sex worker.

Lovell explained that he had shared a relationship with Bristol for some five years, but had left him because he was abusive.

He said that from time to time Bristol would show up at his “work place” on King Street and physically abuse him.

“He used to come and try to get me off the

streets, but I told him I am a street man. I like the faring,” Lovell said. Meanwhile, Bristol who had fled the scene made his way to an empty lot on the corner of Regent Street and Orange Walk and proceeded to set himself afire.

Persons in the area said they remember being awoken by the screams and saw the human torch in the empty lot. Public-spirited citizens threw water on him to extinguish the flames.

Reports are that before Bristol succumbed at the hospital, he told attendants that he was sorry he did not get to kill more sex workers. At Bristol’s home in Nabaclis, his father Dunston Bristol said his son was a devout Christian. The elder Bristol explained that he last saw his son last Saturday before he left home. (Guyana Times)

New strategy for Jamaica’s most vulnerable

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: The Jamaican government’s efforts to effectively address the needs of the country's most vulnerable citizens have been boosted through the newly created Social Protection Strategy.

The strategy, which is the first of its kind in the Caribbean, aims to strengthen the State's

existing social protection framework by streamlining the provision and allocation of social resources and other interventions by the government.

It was formally launched last Wednesday by Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips during a ceremony at the Planning Institute of Jamaica's (PIOJ) New Kingston offices.

The strategy involves collaboration with private, civic, and non-governmental organisations and stakeholders. This partnership approach is expected to effectively address the risks that create and foster poverty and vulnerability among the most marginalised citizens and their families.

Development of this comprehensive strategy was spearheaded by the PIOJ, with resources provided through the World Bank-funded government of Jamaica Social Protection Project, undertaken between 2008 and 2013. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will be responsible for its administration.

Dr Phillips, in welcoming the document, commended the Labour and Social Security Ministry, World Bank,

and PIOJ for collaborating on the endeavour.

"It is path breaking, in many respects. It provides a framework, which will guide policy for many years into the future. But I think, equally important, it highlights the pioneering potential and qualities of our own experts in the field (of social protection) here at the PIOJ, and in the Ministry of Labour," he stated.

This, the minister said, is evident in the international interest in the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education

(PATH), the government's conditional cash transfer programme, which delivers benefits to the society's most needy and vulnerable.

In his remarks, Labour and Social Security Minister Derrick Kellier expressed gratitude for the stakeholder input in the development of the strategy.

Director General of the PIOJ, Colin Bullock, also hailed the wide stakeholder involvement, noting that this would continue to be imperative. (Jamaica Observer)

Guyana seeks increased trade with France

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds extended congratulations to the French government and people at a reception last week to mark Bastille Day, an auspicious occasion in France.

Bastille Day, Hinds said, is significant in many ways as it marked the beginning of the French Revolution and was a symbol of liberty, fraternity, equality and the fight against oppression for all French citizens.

The Prime Minister, who was performing the duties of President, joined France’s Ambassador to Guyana Michael Prom, other French and Guyanese officials, parliamentarians, and members of the Diplomatic Corps at

a reception to commemorate France’s National holiday at Cara Lodge, Georgetown.

“Our friendly relations, which were formally established on June 27, 1976, have grown and deepened over the years. As a testament we have been collaborating on many fronts at the multilateral level, at the UN and the EU and sought to draw closer to French Guiana to take advantage of our similar interests,” the Prime Minister noted.

He related that the process to facilitate the full functioning of the Honorary Consul’s Office will be concluded soon. He added that there is much potential to improve the country’s relations with French Guiana through increased trade, investment, people-to-

people contact and the protection of Guyanese in French territories.

He said that Guyana was appreciative of the many initiatives undertaken over the years to assist the country in its development process.

Guyana has acknowledged France’s strong support and partnership for the United Nations REDD programme.

Guyana has also welcomed companies to invest in the country’s economy.

Ambassador Prom said that he was pleased with the Guyana government for appointing an Honorary Consul with the French authorities who are open to facilitating meetings. He thanked the government for supporting projects that they have initiated.

(GINA)

Youth march against crime in Trinidad

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Hundreds of young people took to the streets of Port-of-Spain last Saturday to march against escalating crime plaguing Trinidad and Tobago.

Young people from various churches and organisations began their march from Adam Smith Square in Woodbrook and converged at Woodford Square, downtown for a day of prayer and praise, calling on youth to put down their guns.

Jovon George, youth president at Woodbrook Pentecostal Church and chairman of the Positive Movement Planning Committee, said while plans for the march originated from the Woodbrook Pentecostal Church, he realised it was much bigger than that one entity.

“We included about eight different organisations, but we sent out invitations across the board to try to bring them together to march against crime. The main thing we are trying to do

is to show that a number of young persons who are not involved in crime or negative things are bringing forward positive things and upliftment to other youth,” he said.

The march included members of the Pentecostal Assemblies of TT (PAWI), Open Bible churches, Catholics, Anglicans, members of the TT scouts and cadets, and police youth clubs.

“Since last year when the idea was birthed, the situation wasn’t as bad as it is now. Coming closer to this date we realised sometimes two

Multi-million dollar lighting project for Montego Bay’s ‘elegant corridor’

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA:

Street lights are to be installed along Montego Bay’s ‘elegant corridor’ in Jamaica at a cost of Ja$248.4 million.

A contract to provide lighting for the area, situated along the north coast highway, between the Sangster International Airport, and Iberostar Hotel at Rose Hall, was signed by officials and representatives of the Ministries of Tourism and Entertainment, and Transport, Works, and Housing, and contractor, Y P Seaton and

Associates, during a recent ceremony at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

The eight-month project, being financed by the

Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), entails the installation of energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) lamps (Jamaica Observer)

Group calls for Gonsalves’ removal as Caricom’s reparations spokesman

WASHINGTON D.C., UNITED STATES:

A group calling itself “Concerned Vincentians at Home and Abroad” has petitioned Caricom to remove St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves as spokesperson on reparations.

“The purpose of the petition is to respectfully urge you and your colleagues to reconsider, as a matter of urgency, the decision to assign Dr the Hon Ralph E. Gonsalves, prime minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as lead advocate for Caricom’s claim for reparations for indigenous people and descendants of enslaved Afrikans [sic] in the Caribbean,” the group stated in a recent letter to Caricom Chairman, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Identifying its members as Dane Bowman, Doug Howard, Luke James, Luzette King, Margaret London and

and three persons are killed one time. Two weekends before six persons were killed in one weekend so we realised, hey, this march is pertinent and right on track.

“All these negative things that are taking place are not normal. We don’t want to get accustomed to having three and four people being murdered over one weekend. We want to get accustomed to living life, to travelling without studying that you have to go home early because of the crime situation,” George stated. (TT Newsday)

Marlon Mills, the group stated that its contention is two-fold.

“First of all, we believe that Dr Gonsalves personally is eminently unsuitable to represent us as Afrikans seeking reparations.” It continued, “Second, our view is that while we seek reparations from abroad, the leaders of the movement must also focus their efforts on dealing at home with the neo-colonial injustices currently being perpetrated on people of Afrikan descent. Charity, it is said, begins at home.”

“Willful economic disenfranchisement of peo-

ple of Afrikan descent and the dramatic increases in rape and other sexual crimes against women (both being hallmarks of the dehumanisation of Afrikans during the time of slavery) are two specific matters of grave concern to Vincentians at home and abroad.”

The group said the leader of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines parliamentary opposition, Arnhim Eustace, “succinctly made this case in parliament during a recent discussion of a motion on reparations.”

In his presentation, the group claimed Eustace said, “Those who would get involved in such an emotive issue must come with ‘clean hands’.”

“We respectfully reiterate our request that you give careful consideration to this petition and urge that you should reconsider the decision to assign Dr the Hon Ralph Gonsalves as Caricom spokesperson on Afrikan Reparations,” it added. (Caribbean News)

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: There has been a sharp increase in tourist arrivals and hotel booking for the Guyana leg of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, a senior tourism official has confirmed.

Checks at some of the major hotels in the city revealed that some facilities were fully booked during the weekend, while others had experienced sharp increases in bookings. The Guyana government had said it would be working earnestly to exploit the benefits that can be derived from the second staging of the Limacol CPL in 2014, given its resounding success and contributions to national and regional tourism growth in 2013.

Last year, several hotels were fully booked, and entertainment hotspots and restaurants packed. Scores of Guyanese opted to return home, while many Caribbean Community (Caricom) citizens wanted to catch part of the action. The tournament also managed to create quite a stir in the Diaspora because of the composition of the teams with the mixture of local, regional, and international players, and the hype and party atmosphere associated with the League.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali had told Guyanese media that Limacol CPL is now considered one of the flagship tourism events of the year.

“I think the LCPL is here to stay and the partnerships that it would have established across the Region are good and were a resounding success, as there are tremendous economic and social benefits therein which far outweigh the investments made,” he indicated.

He acknowledged the potential of the tournament to provide the greatest opportunities for sport tourism in Guyana, the Region, and beyond.

“In 2013, though the tournament had a very short planning window, the benefits that it brought to the regional economy were indeed enormous. Guyana even benefited, additionally, by having one of its national products (Limacol) being the overall sponsor for the tournament,” he explained.

Meanwhile, regarding arrivals, this newspaper was told that there has been a sharp increase. “In fact, we had expected this since early in the year… so we are seeing that right now,” the tourism official said.

Canada-based South African performer for TT’s Emancipation Day concert

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

After a successful Carnival 2014 in Trinidad and Tobago; Ravi B & Karma continued to represent Trinbago culture throughout the globe. They have graced many different cities breaking the barriers and spreading chutney soca music. Immediately after Carnival, Karma performed in Orlando, New York City, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Texas and Guyana. The mega hits ‘Bread’ and ‘Breakway’ continue to thrill hearts everywhere. Karma’s energetic performances have never failed to deliver wherever they touch down.

Additionally, Ravi B; together with Nisha B, Gregory Ayuen and Karma recently hosted a concert at the York College of Performing Arts in which they performed chutney, soca and Bollywood music.

On July 26, the chutney superstar together with the dynamic Nisha B, the versatile Gregory

Ayuen and their full band Karma will give Grenada a taste of true Trinbagonian culture as they headline the main event before Grenada carnival with Megaforce Promotions. The band will then charm Canada for Toronto carnival (Caribana); from boat cruises during the week as it leads to the weekend where they will perform at Wild Water Kingdom, the main event at The International Centre,

Chutney in the Park, Big People Fete and Soca Rave just to mention a few.

The touring then continues with London, Minnesota, Baltimore and Miami carnival before they head back to Trinidad for the auspicious festival of Divali.

Ravi B together with his musical accomplices Nisha B and Ayuen has already been spending a lot of time in studio preparing for the coming season. (TT Express)

Energetic, captivating, dynamic stage presence and infectious dance movements are some of the characteristics attributed to Lorraine Klaasen.

Renowned as a deep rooted South African singer and songwriter, Lorraine’s gestures in her dance moves and powerful vocals have a hypnotic effect on audiences. Hosted by the Emancipation Support Committee on July 31, the eve of Emancipation, the Pan African Spectacular Concert will bring Lorraine as well as the best performers of the African continent directly to the Lidj Yasu Omowale Village at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Trinidad.

Also joining Lorraine from the African region will be Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 from Nigeria. Seun is the son of legendary Fela Kuti, a multi-instrumentalist, music composer and human rights activist who through his songs blatantly expressed his disapproval for the harsh treatment meted out by the Nigerian Military.

Notably inspired by Nelson Mandela’s favourite jazz singer Thandie

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation (NHF) Inc has taken aim at the scourge of suicide in the sequel to its popular play “Visa Wedding”.

Written by acclaimed Guyana-born actor and cultural figure Ramesh Deochand and Padma Nagesar, “Visa Wedding II” has as one of its central themes, suicide and some of its drivers: alcoholism, dysfunctional family relationships, and lack of empathetic communication.

Linked to the typical Guyanese’s quest for migration to the U.S. through marriage, in what has become known as the ‘visa wedding phenomenon’, the story strikes at the heart of expectations that typify many Guyanese families.

Filled with humour, oftentimes delivered through the vehicle of the Guyanese dialect, the story also emphasises the need for clinical counselling and appropriate communication in addressing suicidal behaviour and relationship issues.

Klaasen, Lorraine Klaasen says her mother had a significant impact in making music her career. Auntie Miriam, internationally acclaimed Miriam Makeba who was ex-wife of civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael and close friend to Thandie, also played a pivotal role in Lorraine’s musical career.

After Miriam’s passing in 2008, Lorraine dedicated an album to her titled ‘A Tribute to Miriam Makeba’, which won the 2013 Juno Award in Canada for World Music Album of the Year. This prolific singer and songwriter speaks 17 languages and sings in Zulu, Sotho, Xhosa and Lingala.

Lorraine has performed at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Vancouver Jazz Fest, Saskatoon Jazz Fest, Winnipeg World Beat Fest, St. Lucia Jazz Fest, Barbados Jazz Fest, Grenada Jazz Fest and a tribute concert to the Mighty Duke hosted by Emancipation Support Committee in 2007. For the second time, Lorraine alongside her band will be coming to Trinidad for a live performance.

Born and raised in Soweto, South Africa, an urban area of the city of Johannesburg often referred to as the golden city, Lorraine got her first taste of the musical industry at an early age in the 1970s while accompanying her mother to performances. She later decided to embrace her passion which took her to Europe and Montreal Canada where she eventually settled and has been living since 1979.

Since then Lorraine has performed with artistes like Patti LaBelle, Edith Butler, Roberta Flack, Miriam Makeba, Ray Charles and her mother just to name a few. (TT Newsday)

With songs like “Now is the time”, a tribute to Nelson Mandela; “Summertime”; “Mina Nawe”; “Imbizo” and the renowned dancing hit “Pata Pata” originally sung by Mama Africa, Lorraine quickly rose to fame.

This must-see play, the result of public demand for more of “Visa Wedding”, although filled with laughter-provoking moments, will set the audience thinking and hopefully impart insights into how suicidal behaviour can be addressed.

With a cast of characters drawn from New York and Guyana, “Visa Wedding II” will be staged from July 24 to 28 in Demerara and Berbice, Guyana, when the Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation visits on its annual trip. The play will also be staged in New York once the NHF team returns from Guyana.

Other activities planned include a dance camp, a youth camp, and a number of fundraising concerts. Some of the shows and activities will be in aid of various religious and charitable institutions.

The NHF, a not-forprofit organisation, was established in 1997 as a cultural and humanitarian entity. Since its inception, Nirvana has been actively involved in the promotion of humanitarian and IndoCaribbean cultural activities through a variety of programmes and activities, both in the U.S. and abroad, especially in Guyana. All members of NHF are volunteers.

By Dmitri Allicock

It seems that since humankind first stood up to see over the tall savannah grasses, we’ve been looking for a place to sit back and relax. The historical record is not quite so concise but when early migratory peoples first settled into a domesticated lifestyle, it appears one mark of the civilized person was a seat that elevated the body “away from the cold, damp floor”. By the simple act of constructing an artificial place to sit, humans began the long tradition of distinguishing themselves from the animal world.

History of the chair

The earliest known form of the Greek chair dates back to six or seven centuries B.C. On the frieze of the Parthenon Zeus occupies a square seat with a bar-back and thick turned legs; it is ornamented with winged sphinxes and the feet of beasts. The characteristic Roman chairs were of marble, also adorned with sphinxes. The most famous of the very few chairs which have come down from a remote antiquity is the reputed chair of Saint Peter in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Ancient Egyptian’s chairs appear to have been of great richness and splendour. Fashioned of ebony and ivory, or of carved and gilded wood, they were covered with costly materials and supported upon representations of the legs of beasts or

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Twenty-five young Jamaicans who will be taking part in the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET) were treated to a send-off reception party held at the St Andrew residence of the Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica Yasuo Takase, recently.

"This year's group holds special meaning, given the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries," Ambassador Takase said.

Gregory Gordon, who provided the night's entertainment, himself an alumnus of the programme, also spoke to the historic significance of the 2014 group.

the figures of captives. Egyptians believed that the chairs need to represent natural forms to avoid creating chaos in the universe, by creating an artificial object.

The Berbice Chair for the plantation elite It is with this backdrop of such rich antiquity and splendour that the ‘Berbice Chair’ of Guyana distinguishes itself in status and affiliation. The Berbice Chair,

named, of course after the county of Berbice, is also referred to as a ‘Plantation Chair’ and dates back to early slave plantation days. There is some reference in the historical records of the early Dutch planters to this invaluable piece of Guyana’s heritage.

The plantation furniture of the colonies inspired the dramatic shape and clean silhouette of this chair. Crafted and framed by Guyana’s hardwood, it is reinforced with stretcher bars for decades of wear. As comfortable as

sion and suffering. The chair would have been a prime piece of furniture for the ‘Plantation Great House’, providing comfort and as a showpiece of status.

The hammock for workers

it is handsome, this is an exotic work of furniture art at its best. This large armchair is fitted with a variety of matting or decorative cover and adorned with splendid fasteners. The long arms of the chair have the ability to be folded inward to act as a leg rest. This handsomely styled chair with deep laid back relaxing look adapts to the natural contours of your body to reduce pressure points giving long lasting comfort. A chair associated with such prestige and relaxation in our time yet belongs to that dark age of such repul-

The overworked and exhausted workers on the plantations would have used the other great piece of antiquity, the hammock, for sitting and resting. There remains a bit of mystery revolving around the origin of hammocks, but one fact is incontestable: hammocks have been a commonplace tool for both survival and burial since as early as 450 B.C.

This is the earliest recorded date of the swinging bed, said to have been developed by an unassuming student of Socrates named Alcibiades. However, the native people of South America would dispute

that finding since they have been using this device since the Bering Strait crossing. The natives of the wilds in what would later be known as the Amazon Basin had an extremely difficult time surviving the gruelling, thick, sticky climates born of their region.

The origin of the hammock lay here, in this uncertain and miserable environment, when getting off the ground and covering up every body part meant the difference between survival and death. Hammocks are easy to carry. There’s a wide price and quality range. There are massproduced striped cotton hammocks from Brazil. Arawaks from coastal districts of Guyana make hammocks from Tibisiri, a fibre made from the immature leaves of the eté palm.

"When I first went to Japan on the JET programme, there were only 13 of us. Now that's almost doubled, and the level of the Japanese I

heard tonight is amazing," Gordon added.

The twenty-five participants of this year's programme are Aneika Angus, Nikkisha Baugh,

Tia Braham, Craig Dixon, Nneka Gaynor, Mario Grant, Audley Green, Sania Green, Janiel Hazle, Jody-Ann Hines, Leveth Jackson, Ashford

Local hand-made cotton hammocks are top of the line in style and quality. Some of the finest are made by the Wapishana Amerindians of the southern Rupununi.

The privileged chairs

The homes in Guyana have as many doors and windows as possible to keep interiors cool. Balcony with awnings or overhangs, louvers to keep rooms cool, draperies to filter sunlight and an openly fashioned “downstairs” where it is always the coolest.

The Berbice Chair, due to its elegancy, is generally displayed in a prime location of the house while the hammock is more suited to a breezy balcony or downstairs. The Morris chair, coffee table, sideboard, cabinet with the treasured dishes- cutlery and other fine furnishing, usually enhance the Berbice chair, sitting graciously on a cedar polished hardwood floor. It wasn’t Christmas when I was a child without the smell of black cake, pepper pot, garlic pork, ginger beer, sorrel, Christmas cards, and all wooden furniture scraped, sanded and polished with a new coat of lacquer. The elegant Berbice Chair was delicately prepared with new expensive matting, glistening polish of renewal and ready to serve another year.

The distinguished Berbice Chair remains part of Guyana’s rich cultural and living history.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Kerr, Roxann Lawrence,

Jessica Silvera,

They will depart for Tokyo on July 26 for the minimum of a full year as assistant English language teachers assigned to schools across Japan. Started in 1987, JET offers college and university graduates the opportunity to serve in local government organisations as well as various school settings. This facilitates cultural and language exchange between the participating countries and Japan.

The programme continues to boast several successes as it aids to strengthen the ties between countries. (Jamaica Observer)

ST ANN, JAMAICA: 'Whatever you do, do it to your best ability', are words which guide the life of one young Jamaican community health aide who goes beyond the call of duty to serve others.

She is only 28 years old, but Sophia Richards does not allow preserving the image of youth to prevent her from going the extra distance to render her service as a community health aide.

The young woman many days rides a donkey or walks for miles as she works selflessly to touch the lives of many. People are often amazed at the passion with which she carries out her job.

Richards, who lives in Madras, St Ann, serves that community and several neighbouring ones including Barnstaple, Gibraltar and Watt Town.

Reaching many homes by vehicle in some areas is not possible, and access to public transport is many times limited to other areas. Richards, however, is not daunted in doing the job that she loves. Instead of whining over the challenges she face, Richards happily finds other means to get the job done.

"It's fun. I do mostly home visits, check for immunisation delinquents, blood sugar and blood pressure tests," she said.

Growing up in a farming community, it is not unusual for donkeys to be used as a means of transportation; therefore when Richards started working as a community health aide, almost five years ago, she found that form of transportation useful and continues to use it today.

Public transport to some communities might not be

frequent and, while Richards would prefer the luxury, she

does not stand around waiting when none is readily avail-

able. She many times travels lonely roads as she intends to meet the daily targets she sets, serving the people.

"The main thing is that, at the end of the day, everyone is comfortable and their needs are met. I am going to be comfortable that everything is done. At the end of the day, you know their needs are met and financially you can take care of your family," she stated.

Richards further stated that the response of the patients always brings her happiness.

The community health aide said that she would like to further serve her people as a midwife and so she is now in the process of completing applications to go back to school. The mother of one is passionate about quality service, especially providing sound healthcare. (Jamaica Observer)

Spotlight on the Cheddi Jagan Biodiversity Park in Guyana

ESSEQUIBO, GUYANA: national hero, Dr Cheddi Jagan had a profound association with biodiversity, preservation of the eco-system and sustainable development. He personally took care of his garden at his home, which he reaped vegetables and fruits.

He once said, “... the natural resources of our planet must be utilised for the benefit of mankind in such a way that they remain available for future generations, and that in the process of utilisation, fullest measures are taken to prevent environmental degradation.”

In memory of his

Basir, CCH, a personality who has had 40 years of very close political relations with the late president.

Lima Sands, located in Essequibo, Region Two, was identified for the park, which now nurtures a variety of flora, fauna and subordinating savannahs.

Access to the site is by road, west of Anna Regina, parallel to the Tapacooma main canals.

History of the area

The entire sea coast from the Corentyne to the Barima River in the North West District was occupied by rival Spanish, French and Dutch interests, even

The areas between Reliance and Paradise were dependent on water supply from Tapacooma Lake; the main supply canal was under the control of the Dutch planters of the Anna Regina estate.

The plutocracy, from Richmond to Paradise, consisting of eleven estate owners, decided in 1788 to engage about 150 slaves to dig a ca-

about eight miles, cutting through the Lima Sands. A wooden koker structure, built in the 1920 is still noticeable. The Lima sand was an escape route for runaway slaves, who were easily captured by Amerindians in the Dredge Creek water way, now known as 'Manicuri' Canal. The word 'Manicuri' is of Locono origin, meaning

sentative in control.

By mid 1930, the main contestants for the Demerara court of policy, from Essequibo were Dodds of Affiance, Seymour of Reliance and Brashington of Hampton Court. It was a heated election in 1930 and Brashington lost the majority.

He became enraged and immediately closed down the Hampton

led to the Tapacooma Lake and one that led to the Anna Regina hinterland. The iron punts can still be located about 500 meters west of Lima Sands, now submerged under savannah vegetation.

The site for the park was chosen because this was where the hard work of building a huge dam by slaves was done. It is where

years of work as an activist in preserving our rich biodiversity, the Cheddi Jagan Biodiversity Park was identified in September 2001 and officially opened 23 March 2002.

The idea of identifying an appropriate park consistent with Dr Jagan’s concept and likeness and love for nature came from Isahak

though the Dutch paid for their final occupation.

The Essequibo Coast was no exception; from Supenaam to Better Success each estate owner had his own landing, police and control system. Cotton, coffee and sugar dominate the production, with thirty four sugar mills on the Essequibo Coast lands.

nal North West of the Tapacooma Lake landing to the back of Lima estate, to avoid the high charges and sabotage of water supply from Anna Regina owners and slave masters. This effort was met with armed opposition that forced the location of the canal further inland.

However, the canal was completed

“hiding place”.

The British, who took control in the 1810 and 1860 periods, brought mules and bison to help on the sugar plantation. Lima Sand became a heaven for escaped bison, and some eventually migrated to Troolie Island. A person named Sernauth Ally is said to have killed the last bison in 1954 in Danielstown.

The three counties, Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice merged in 1831 under British occupation, but each county had their elected repre-

Court estate allegedly saying, “Essequibo coolie must perish and wear jute bags for clothing.”

He damaged many infrastructures, demolished many logies and destroyed one of the most beautiful chimneys built by the Dutch in Hampton Court. His final assault was to damage a waterwheel that prevented Hampton Court from flooding, and instructed his remaining disciples to pull a huge iron cane punt and block the supply canal of Lima that

one can ponder about what Guyanese ancestors went through using baskets, shovels and spades, enduring the slave masters' whip to build such a landmark.

The memory of the late President Jagan, this great, teacher, father and leader, must be preserved and immortalised –the Dr Cheddi Jagan Biodiversity Park definitely serves this purpose. (Information by Cheddi Jagan Research Centre; Photos by Marco Basir)

Anupam Kher to undergo minor eye surgery

Veteran actor Anupam Kher will undergo minor eye surgery to remove the cyst formed in the upper eyelid. The operation was supposed to be done on Monday but it got postponed.

"Thanks to your wishes, surgery postponed because of the infection around the eye. #KucchBhiHoSaktaHai.:)," Anupam posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Earlier on Monday, he had shared about his surgery, "On my way for a minor ‘cyst in the upper eyelid’ surgery. Thodi sympathy mil jaye to shayad Dard cum Ho jayega. Baki aapki marzi. (If I get some sympathy, maybe the pain reduces. Rest is upto you)."

The 59-year-old actor is currently hosting a chat show, "The Anupam Kher Show--Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai". He recently tweeted for good wishes for his mother, who underwent ankle surgery. (Bollywood Mantra)

Akshay Kumar to record live before the media

Akshay Kumar will be recording a song live in front of the media at a suburban Mumbai studio later this week for his next film Entertainment.

Kumar, who has previously lent his voice to songs in earlier films, says the idea of recording a track live sparked off in a conversation with film's producer, Ramesh Taurani. And the latter instantly agreed. "We usually call the media when we are shooting a film or for its premiere, but never for a song recording. It's a nice change for people to watch how a song recording happens, as compared to seeing the final product," says Akshay. (TOI)

Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi, who walked the ramp as showstopper for designer duo Rimple and Harpreet Narula on the last day of Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers India Couture Week 2014, says that Indian women are blessed with "naturally beautiful curves" and they should not feel embarrassed about it.

"I agree that one should be fit and take care of one's body as there is no excuse to be unfit. But I feel that Indian women are naturally blessed with beautiful curves. Just because somebody has said that you need to be perfect, one should not kill herself to achieve that. Be proud of your curves."

Huma also said that one should not try to modify their body just because someone else doesn't like the way you are.

"Don't be embarrassed about your body. Yes, as an actress, if I have to play a model or wear something where I need to be super toned, I would obviously love to work towards that but that is the part of my job. But my real life is mine and this is how I look. So don't be apologetic about how you look," she stated. (TOI)

Kapoors' ancestral home lying in ruins

For decades the Kapoor family has been a mainstay of Bollywood. The list of stars the family has produced over the years is really long, starting from the acclaimed actor Prithviraj Kapoor and still continuing with the most recent introduction of Armaan Jain, his great grandson. While they have been living in India from 1947, their original ancestral home is in Peshawar, Pakistan. While the house still exists today, it

Ranbir says he is willing to marry Katrina soon

The present heartthrob of Bollywood, Ranbir Kapoor, for the first time spoke about his marriage plans in the media.

On a funny note, he said that he is getting old as he is 31 now and he should get married soon. For quite some time, his marriage with his girlfriend Katrina Kaif has been doing all the rounds. It is an open secret that Katrina is also the choice of Ranbir’s parents and talks are on about their impending marriage.

The couple might have refused to mouth their relationship in public, there were constant report of their affair. It is also reported that the couple will be moving in together soon after the interior designing of Ranbir’s new purchased flat gets over.

Ranbir said, “Hopefully, [marriage will happen] sometime soon. (I am getting old). I am 31-year-old. But right now, there’s no such plan. I am concentrating only on my movies. It’s a great time; I am getting fantastic [film] opportunities.” (Bollywood Mantra)

Aamir Khan goes completely nude!

Bis in such poor condition that it may come crashing down soon. The information was revealed by a leading English daily of Pakistan.

The report noted: “The air inside their old (Kapoor) haveli is still, the gloom in the empty rooms is like time mourning its own passage, a surrender to dust, to dampness and to death. It is the indifference of a terminal patient to a visitor who brings no hope but stands by the bed."

(Bollywood Mantra)

for

for P.K.'s poster. A Bollywoodlife.com report says that the actor will bare it all with just a stereo system to cover his

front. Quoting a source, the report adds that the first-of-its-kind poster will shock the audience as it will see Aamir completely nude. He will be holding a stereo system to cover his crotch.

In fact, a report in ‘India Today’ said that Aamir will bare it all in the introduction scene of the movie itself. In the film, Aamir is playing the role of an alien who lands on Earth by choice. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the movie is a political satire and will see Aamir in a never-seenbefore avatar. (TOI)

Alia Bhatt: I'm a clumsy human being

Bollywood's young star Alia Bhatt put up a confident front while walking a three-ramp set-up in a lehenga as heavy as over 20 kg, for ace designer Manish Malhotra's show at the Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers India Couture Week. She said she was nervous as she's usually clumsy.

"I get very nervous. I

am not the best walker. I am a very clumsy human being, I fall (while) standing, so walking on the ramp wearing (an outfit of) almost 25 kg and high heels, looking good, posing and smiling while people are clapping...I think it's nerve wrecking, but I think it's the best two minutes," Alia told reporters after the show. (TOI)

Amitabh Bachchan happy with polio eradication from India

-

Mis the goodwill

who

the disease is finally eradicated from India. The 69-year-old was appointed as the ambassador in 2005 and has since fronted their polio eradication programme successfully.

"Polio eradicated from India. An 8 year campaign with the UNICEF ambassadorship! Feel such accomplishment and joy!," Bachchan posted on Twitter. India was declared polio free by WHO (World Health Organisation) earlier this year. (TOI)

Robert Downey Jr. reigns as 'highest paid actor' for second year

Robert Downey Jr. has been named Forbes' 'highest paid actor' for the second time in a row with 75 million dollars.

The mother of late 'Glee' star Cory Monteith admitted that she has only recently begun to accept her son's death.

During her appearance on 'Good Morning America', Monteith's mother, Ann McGregor said that it was terrible losing her son, 31, and she couldn't even bear to look at his picture until three days ago, CNN reported.

McGregor admitted

to have been keeping contact with Monteith's co-star and lover Lea Michele, and said that she knows Michele's going through the same pain and sadness.

Monteith, who played Finn Hudson on Fox's musical show, and had voluntarily checked himself into rehab, was found dead three months later in a Vancouver hotel room due to deadly intake of heroin and alcohol. (TOI)

Justin Theroux is so beautiful: Jennifer Aniston

'Friends' star

Jennifer Aniston thinks her fiancé Justin Theroux is so beautiful and gets better looking every year.

The 45-year-old actress, who has been engaged to 'The Leftovers' star for almost two years, said she is a fan of his eyes, reported People

magazine.

"He's just so beautiful and handsome to me. I love that his eyeballs are so beautifully captured because those eyes just knock me out every day. He just gets better every year. He's just like a lost gem in the sand, and he's just always been there and been brilliant, and now this is just in a different light," she said.

Theroux is the new cover boy of Details magazine's August issue and to launch the issue a party was held, which was attended by Aniston. (TOI)

Mean comments do not bother Paris Hilton

Socialite Paris Hilton insists cruel comments do not hurt her any more as she prefers to laugh them off.

"If people want to be mean, that's their problem. It used to be really hurtful. I would call and cry to my mom all the time but now I just laugh," she told Stella magazine.

However, Hilton insisted that a lot of girls try to be her friend simply to make a name for themselves, reports contactmusic.com.

"So many people have bad intentions, so many girls want to hang out (with me) to be someone. I weed those people out of my life. I call them hungry tiger," Hilton said. (TOI)

Zac Efron has been named the "hottest hunk" of 2014 by Heat Magazine.

The 'High School Musical' star has managed to oust Tom Daley, who took top spot in the poll last year, followed by David Beckham, Harry Judd and Leonardo DiCaprio, the Daily Star reported.

According to the magazine, Efron's topless appearance in 'Bad Neighbours', along with having his shirt ripped off by Rita Ora at the MTV Awards, had secured his place at number one in the 101 'Hottest Hunks' list.

Meanwhile, George Clooney was placed at the 60th position, while Benedict Cumberbatch was at number 24 and Prince Harry scored the 32nd position. (TOI)

The 49-year-old star has topped the Forbes' annual ranking of the highest paid movie stars after making a fortune from his portrayal of Iron Man, the Mirror reported.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson grabbed the second place with an earning of 52 million dollars, which he accumulated from a number of acting roles as well as producing gigs. Bradley Cooper followed behind with an estimated 46 million dollars due to his much loved roles in ‘The Hangover 3’ and American Hustle, while Leonardo DiCaprio, earned the fourth place with 39 million dollars.

Chris Hemsworth finished off the top five with an estimated earning of 37 million dollars, beating Liam Neeson and Ben Affleck, who earned 36 million dollars and 35 million dollars respectively. Whereas, Will Smith and Mark

Brooke Shields goes semi-naked at 49!

Brooke Shields, who's 49, recently gave semi-nude sexy poses for Social Life magazine.

According to a source, the 'Blue Lagoon' actress was only in "strategically placed bed-sheet" in one shot, while in another she sported a dress with a very long slit, the New York Post reported.

The beauty, who started her career as a child star 1980, is married to producer Chris Henchy with whom she had two children. (TOI)

Ralph Fiennes taught Tony Revolori how to kiss

Tony Revolori has revealed his experience whilst shooting 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' saying that Ralph Fiennes taught him to how to kiss.

The 18-year-old actor said that he was nervous about doing the kissing scene with Saoirse Ronan, so he took Fiennes advice to help out with the kissing scene, the Daily Express reported.

The American actor revealed that Fiennes asked him to tell Ronan that he was sorry if he get aroused, and he was sorry if he won't, and this made Revolori laugh which was exactly what he needed.

Revolori asserted that being around

Adrian Brody, Jude Law, Edward Norton, and Owen Wilson among others all day was a dream for him and it was amazing working with them. (TOI)

Scarlett Johansson to get married in August

Scarlett Johansson and her fiancé Romain Dauriac reportedly will tie the knot in a few weeks.

The star of 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' was overheard talking about her wedding plan at a dinner held by Martha Stewart at her East Hampton estate on July 19, reported Ace Showbiz.

In addition to Johansson and her journalist beau, the dinner was attended by Matt Lauer, Nathan Lane, Barbara Walters, Susan Lucci, Christopher Meloni, Dan Abrams, Andrew Saffir and Daniel Benedict, Thom Filicia, Gucci Westman and David Neville, Dylan Lauren and Rachel Zoe among others. Johansson, 29, and Dauriac got engaged last September. The couple is now expecting their first child together. (TOI)

Jamaican power drops curtains on Reggae Sumfest 2014

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Singer Tessanne Chin gave a command performance on International Night II of Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest, which closed at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay Sunday morning.

Dressed in a black suit, complemented by a white blouse, ‘The Voice’ 2013 winner energised the weary crowd with even before she sang a note. As her name was announced, there was a mad rush to the stage by patrons.

"It's so good to be home. I've been away for a long time. I have a show for you tonight," she said, before proceeding to do just that.

Chin opened with ‘Try’, the song that started her incredible journey on ‘The Voice’.

Among her other selections were ‘Tumbling Down’, ‘Count On My Love’, ‘Redemption Song’, ‘Every Little Thing Reminds Me of You’, and

‘Heaven’, which she said will be the second single to be released from her Count On My Love album.

Another impressive performer was American artiste Future. Decked out in his 'Jamaica'

minutes into his set, frustrated with the sound. After a mad rush by technicians who made the necessary adjustments, he returned.

The stage area had to be extended for Sean Paul, who had not performed at Sumfest in 10 years. With dancing girls and fireworks, he reconnected with fans during his 45-minute stay.

Closing act Freddie McGregor was honoured by Summerfest Productions for 50 years in the music industry. The organisers hailed him as a "stalwart in the Jamaica music industry

T-shirt, he was in total command as he delivered songs such as Love, Racks, Honest, Bugatti and Top Out.

It was a sing-a-long performance, with younger patrons keeping pace with Future's offerings. Sanchez, who has not performed on the Sumfest stage for some time, stormed off stage

and a multifaceted recording artiste".

He performed his hits including ‘To Be Poor Is A Crime’, ‘Push Come To Shove’ and ‘So I Will Wait For You’, as several patrons exited.

Earlier, performances came from Prissy G, Zvuloon Dub System and The Wizzard. (Jamaica Observer)

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Forget the “dark horse” idiom when discussing Marida Mohammed’s performance on the competitive reality cooking show ‘MasterChef Canada’.

The Trinidad-born, Toronto-based chef considered herself the hot pepper of the competition—bringing the heat and spicing things up all the way to the finals. Although she lost the title and Cdn$100,000 prize money to Canadian chemical engineer Eric Chong, Mohammed feels the show presented an opportunity to showcase just how versatile Caribbean food can be.

Last Thursday, during a two-week holiday in TT, she sat down with TT media in Price Plaza, Chaguanas, to discuss the competition and plans for her culinary career.

Mohammed was born in Cocoyea Village, San Fernando. She and her family migrated to Canada in 1995 when she was 13 years old.

While she has never had any formal culinary training, she said she learnt a lot from her mother about creating something quick and tasty out of nothing.

Early on in the competition, she showed off her skills by winning the first “mystery box challenge” which called on contestants to make a meal out of a box of random ingredients that included peanut butter, pork loins, congo pepper and noodles.

Another challenge required the amateur chefs to make a meal using different cuts of beef which ranged from premium steak to cow brains and tongue.

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS:

A new species of coral found in the Caribbean has been named after the singer–Jennifer Lopez. Researchers found the new species in Mona Passage off the coast of Puerto Rico.

The Pontarachnid mite represents a common but still unstudied group of marine animals.

Vladimir Pesic, the lead author of the article in the journal, ZooKeys, explained that the reason behind unusual

name for the new species was that the Puerto Rican singer’s songs and videos kept the team in a continuous good mood when writing the manuscript and watching

World Cup Soccer 2014.

The new mite species was collected from nearly 70m depth, the greatest depth from which Pontarachnid mites have been found until now.

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs), like Bajo de Sico where the new species was found are light-dependent habitats dominated by macroalgae, sponges and scleractinian corals and are found on the insular and continental slopes of Caribbean islands between 30 and 100m. (Caribbean News)

Stand

out meal

Asked which she thought was her standout meal of the show, Mohammed said it was a toss-up between her razor clam dish and the finale meal. For the first, she used the white, black and red Himalayan sea salt to create a TT flag on the plate which served as the backdrop to her salsa clam dish. For the final episode which aired at the end of April, the two contestants had to prepare a full course meal and they were given an hour to prepare each dish. In this challenge, there were no limitations to the ingredients and for her appetizer, she made a callaloo soup with coconut lime creme fraiche with sliced pumpkin, crispy pig tail and breadfruit chips. Her main dish was a “Canadian-Caribbean fusion” of black cod wrapped in a bhagi leaf with pigeon peas puree and cucumber chutney.

The final episode also brought a sweet surprise for her when her family came on set to wish her luck. Among them was her three-year-old daughter Myla and her twin sister Narida who was also one of the top 50 contestants in the competition but got knocked out during one of the elimination rounds.

While there was no prize money for the runner-up, the sisters haven’t given up on the idea of establishing a fine dining Caribbean restaurant in Canada and they even hope to have their own cooking programme one day. For the moment, they’re doing cooking demonstrations and private catering. Next month, they will launch their own pepper sauce at the Hot and Spicy Food Festival in Toronto. (TT Guardian)

Sammy G takes Barbados’ Junior crown again

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: Sammy G has been crowned the 2014 Junior Monarch champion in Barbados.

Singing ‘My Tribute’, she reclaimed the coveted title which she last won in 2011, as well as the top prize of Bds$2500, the trophy and a Samsung tablet following last Saturday night’s show.

Sammy G, who is a student of the Barbados Community College, has been performing this year with the House of Soca.

Last Friday night

she also competed in the semifinals of the senior competition, but only managed to secure a reserve position in the finals of the Pic-o-de-Crop calypso competition on August 1.

Second place in the Junior Monarch con-

test went to Ah-Dee-Lah while DJ was third in the 13-18 category. In the 8 -12 category, the winner was Raanan singing ‘No Daddy’. Second place went to Dynamo and Black Beauty was

(Barbados Today)

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: That climate change poses great risk to Jamaica is no longer debatable, but a recent publication designed to make the link between climate change and gender shows that women are more vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters such as hurricanes.

The publication, the seventh in a series of works done by the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) at the University of the West Indies, Mona, in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, also finds that farmers are at increased risk as well.

The series contains the edited collection of undergraduate student papers and is intended to inspire the students to contribute to sustainable development by adding to the body of research on climate change and analysing how climate change impacts people's livelihood and survival.

"It also promotes awareness and action to mainstream

gender in climate change and disaster risk management policies and programmes," said Dr Leith Dunn who heads the IGDS at Mona.

Coreen Stephens, one of the contributors to the publication, noted that policies need to be put in place to address the specific vulnerabilities and needs of both males

and females. She pointed out that females with no male partners generally have to rely on men in the community for help during periods of natural disasters. Women are often the ones collecting water and securing personal property for relocation if this becomes necessary, while men busy themselves with cutting

branches and trees, fixing the roof and making sure the animals are safe.

Challenges

"Among the challenges women face during the hurricane season is deciding whether or not to relocate from their home to a shelter, and whether they have available resources to prepare for the disaster," she indicated.

Natural disasters often make young girls and women vulnerable to sexual exploitation as they try to meet their basic needs during the recovery period. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and single parents are also more vulnerable than the wider population and as such, Tsahai Thomas suggests that, "there is need to ensure that the components and distribution of aid are planned in ways that are gender-sensitive and that respond to those who are most vulnerable and most at-risk".

Both male and female farmers are placed at increased risk during natural

disasters. When there is a hurricane, for example, males are often expected to stay behind and protect the family's livestock instead of moving to a shelter with their other family members.

"Farmers face the possibility of losing livestock and disposing of their remains. After a disaster, both sexes are likely to have worked in recovery efforts which are likely to reflect a gender division of labour," noted Joshauna Small.

Men are also more likely to take greater risks during hurricanes as is the case with those who live along coastal areas, and they often disregard warnings to stay away from the coastline in their quest to continue their livelihood so that they can provide for their families.

Apart from hurricanes, water shortages and droughts are also consequences of climate change which impact the poor and vulnerable within the society. (Jamaica Observer)

Star of the Week

Reesa Sooklall is a proud third form student of the prestigious Queen's College. The 14-year-old currently resides in Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara with her parents and only elder sister. Sooklall was born on 8 October 1999 at the Prashad's Hospital to two loving parents who made her the outgoing, compassionate, vibrant, talented and down to earth young lady she is today. Before secondary school, she attended the Starter's Nursery School and Graham's Hall Primary. Growing up, Sooklall was passionate to become a model, and with the support of her parents, she is fulfilling her dreams. As the newly crowned Miss Guyana Talented Teen 2014, Sooklall hopes to create a positive impact on other teenagers and is willing to inspire others to help them in whatever way possible. Since her platform in the pageant was about global warming and education, Sooklall’s wish is to educate persons on global warming and its effects. She would also like to urge persons to share their knowledge on global warming since it is a major earth crisis in the world. The teenager will use the opportunity she has received from the pageant to improve herself in the field of pageantry because she would like to be crowned Miss Guyana Universe in the future. Her dream is to one day become an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist. During her spare time, the young, resplendent beauty enjoys playing the guitar, dancing, skating, painting, playing with her pets or playing outdoor sports. Her favourite outdoor sport is cricket. She also has special interests in photography and making bracelets. Her advice to other teens, who wish to become a model, is to always remember that “they don't have to be great to start but have to start to be great. Be confident in yourself and never doubt your potential. Beauty isn't only about having a pretty face; it’s about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart and a pretty soul”.

Canada-based coach preparing Guyanese for IGG basketball meet

By TreisTon Joseph

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The services of Canada-based coach Sherlon Chance has been engaged as the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) continues preparing the Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) basketball team for the tri-nation event scheduled for August in Guyana.

Chance is being assisted by the experienced Lugard Mohan to get both the male and female players ready to entertain their opponents.

This newspaper visited the practice session in Guyana on Tuesday and observed that the

females were displaying good ball-handling skills and understanding of the game, while the men were gelling well with each other.

The Guyana-born Chance, who has coached multiple teams in Canada and the United States of America, noted that he was impressed with the intensity of the players but said there were areas that needed to be addressed.

“I’m very impressed with the speed, intensity has picked up a lot over the last couple of days, just a couple of little things that got to be worked on, but I think I corrected a lot of those things, defence, talking to each other…communication is very important in basketball, so we are trying to get that over with them that they got to communicate, share the basketball and work together as a team,” Chance stated.

Further, Chance pointed out what was the major difference between the teams he coached outside of Guyana and the current IGG team.

“It’s ok to run up and down and play scrimmages all the time, but if you don’t have the basics: dribbling, passing, teamwork, shooting, if you don’t have the basics then the scrimmages don’t help…so you need to combine the fundamentals along with the playing.

“I think that’s the biggest difference that I’ve noticed is fundamentals, a lot of the guys are weak with the basic fundamentals and that is what I want to bring to their

basketball,” Chance noted.

With the team looking to run a system based on ball movement and cuts to attack the basket, Chance talked about the potential of the team.

“To be honest with you, over the last two days they have really impressed me, they are starting to think which is what I want them to do, as a coach I can’t tell the players exactly what they need to do on the court, they have to learn to think for themselves and I noticed that they are beginning to do that a lot…so as long as they keep thinking and moving the ball I think they have a good shot,”

Chance highlighted. Meanwhile, Audrey Doorn, who was a part of the 1996 Caricom female championship team and is also a part of the group visiting with Chance as part of the John Rimple family reunion, said helping to develop the IGG team is being seen as a wonderful opportunity to give back to the country. “We all share the same passion. When we heard about the team in training, and although this was the time to be here for our family reunion, we thought what better way to give back to our country than to work with this wonderful group,” Doorn stated.

TT’s Keshorn Walcott golden in Poland

SOPOT, POLAND: Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic javelin gold medallist Keshorn Walcott won the men’s javelin at the 17th Janusz Sidlo Memorial, Sopot, Poland recently.

Walcott, who won gold at the London

Olympic Games in 2012, topped the field with 82.90 metres. This is Walcott’s third win for the season, after opening his season locally at the International Twilight Games with a gold medal throw of 79.33m and another victory, at the Beijing IAAF World

Challenge with 83.94m. He is currently taking part in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Cleopatra Borel finished third in the women’s shot put at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games in London, England on Sunday. The

Jamaica’s Yohan Blake undergoes hamstring surgery - out for remainder of 2014

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Yohan Blake will miss the remainder of the 2014 season after undergoing surgery in Germany to repair a damaged hamstring muscle.

Blake, the 2011 World 100-metre champion, damaged the muscle while competing at the Diamond League meet in Glasgow, Scotland, almost two weeks ago.

The athlete's coach, Glen Mills, confirmed that Blake underwent surgery, but said he didn't have much detail.

"I will know more when he comes back to Jamaica, I think, next week," Mills said in response to queries. "He is there with his agent."

The injury was considered to be more severe than was originally thought, after Blake fell early into his 100-metre race on July 11. Blake flew to Germany afterwards to have the injury evaluated and subsequently underwent an operation.

Earlier this season, Blake had opted out of competing at the Commonwealth Games, which began Wednesday

in Glasgow, Scotland, so that he could focus on preparing for the World Championships in Beijing next year and the Olympics in Rio in 2016. He missed most of the

Trinidad and Tobago field athlete produced a big 18.99m effort in the fourth and final round.

Germany’s Christina Schwanitz was the class of the field, winning the event with a 19.92m throw. American Michelle Carter (19.80m) secured the runner-up spot.

Borel has been in fine form this season. She

threw 19.10m to win at a meet in Cuba in March. And in June, at the Adidas Grand Prix IAAF Diamond League meet, the Mayaro thrower landed the shot 19.04m to bag bronze.

Last Friday, Borel threw 18.96m to finish fourth at the Herculis IAAF Diamond League meet, in Monaco. (TT Newsday)

2013 season after injuring his hamstring at the UTech Classic in April that year and was unable to defend the World title he won in Daegu in 2011.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

Guyana win 10th consecutive overall junior squash title

HAMILTON, BERMUDA:

Guyana continued their dominating ways on the squash circuit throughout the Caribbean Region, winning their 10th consecutive overall title last Saturday at the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Both the male and female teams won their respective finals to ensure Guyana retain their title.

The girls took the court first and came out with a very intense 3-2 victory over Trinidad and Tobago who had beaten the Guyanese girls earlier in the group stage of the tournament.

Taylor Fernandes took the court first in place of Larissa Wiltshire who had a slight injury, to defeat Marion Gillezeau easi-

ly in three straight sets at 11-9, 11-5 and 11-3 to give Guyana the early advantage in the match.

Victoria Arjoon would take the court next in her last match as a junior against Marie Claire Barcant and would perform to her optimum to give Guyana a commanding 2-0 lead with the

game ending 11-5, 11-2 and 11-7.

Charlotte Knaggs would prevent the Guyanese girls from sweeping the finals after defeating Akeila Wiltshire in three straight sets at 11-8, 11-8 and 11-9 to bring Trinidad and Tobago back in the match that

stood at 2-1 in favour of Guyana.

Rebecca Low would be up next for Guyana, but would fail to stop the momentum of the Trinidadians, losing to Alexandria Yearwood 1-3 at 7-11, 11-9, 5-11 and 5-11.

Guyana’s Makeda Harding then took to

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum stands tall with Tallawahs

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Appleton Estate

Jamaica Rum, sponsor of the Jamaica Tallawahs, defending champions of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), is eyeing another successful season with the cricket franchise team.

The CPL is the region's premier Twenty20 cricket competition, with Jamaica hosting Jamaica Tallawahs games on July 31, August 2, and August 3, against the Antigua Hawksbills, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and Barbados Tridents, respectively.

Speaking about the CPL, Jamaica Tallawahs captain Chris Gayle said:

"I think our chances of winning the tournament again are good. We have a strong team, and we play well together. We are looking forward to all our matches, but we are most excited about playing on our home ground at Sabina and having all our fans coming to sup-

port us."

Gayle's sentiments were reiterated by legendary former West Indies fast-bowler Courtney Walsh, who is the Tallawahs' mentor.

Walsh said, "The team played well in the first match and showed what we are about. After see-

Sammy to debut in the Australian

TASMANIA

West Indies T20

captain Darren Sammy is to make his debut in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) this summer after signing with the Hobart Hurricanes.

“With players like George Bailey, Alex Hales and Ben Dunk,

there is a lot of exciting talent in the team already,” Sammy said.

“I am really looking forward to coming to Tasmania and taking part in the Big Bash League”

Sammy is expected to represent Hobart in the first six matches of the tournament before join-

ing West Indies for their training camp ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

The St. Lucian all rounder is joining England’s Hales as the two international signings for the Hurricanes.

“I have heard so much about coach [Damien] Wright, he seems like a West Indian, very cool and an amazing fellow,” said Sammy who was captain of West Indies in all formats until last year, when Dwayne Bravo was handed control of the ODI side, and Denesh Ramdin became Test captain earlier this year.

“A few of my [West Indian] team-mates might also be playing in

the court and completely outplayed Jinan Al Rawi to win 3-0 at 114, 11-3 and 11-0 to give the Guyanese girls their ninth consecutive female title.

The win by the girls’ team at this point also meant that Guyana, whether the boys won or lost, won their 10th overall title.

However, the boys took the court high-spirited after watching the females celebrate and it was evident that the energy of the females winning boosted the performance of the boys early in their eventual 3-2 win over Jamaica.

Benjamin Mekdeci took the court first and blazed to a 3-0 win over Jahjia Lumley that ended 11-3, 11-9 and 11-3 to put Guyana ahead 1-0.

National under-19 champion Nyron Joseph

gritted out a tough 3-2 win against Jake Mahfood as he came from two down to win the game that ended 8-11, 3-11, 11-9, 13-11 and 1412.

Canada- based Jean Claude Jeffrey would lose to the current Under-19 Caribbean champion Julian Morrison in three straight sets at 7-11, 1012 and 2-11.

Guyana’s Alex Cheeks would suffer the harshest defeat as Jamaica’s Jonathan Walker would tie the match at 2-2 with a 3-0 win over Cheeks that ended 5-11, 3-11 and 2-11.

However, Shomari Wiltshire would completely dominate his Jamaican opponent to end the game and win the boys’ title for Guyana with a 3-0 win that ended 11-0, 11-0 and 11-1. (Guyana Times)

ing the other teams in action, I think we have a very good chance to take the trophy again this year."

For the entirety of the 2014 CPL season, Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum has big plans to bridge the gaps between sports and entertainment.

To engage Jamaica Tallawahs fans during their home games, the brand will be executing a number of exciting activities surrounding the competition, with the creation of 'Fan Zones' at the Triple Century Sports Bar & Grill in Kingston, and Pier One in Montego Bay. (Jamaica Observer)

Big Bash

the Big Bash League so I’m looking forward to the contest with them.”

Sammy’s lower-order striking has made him a dangerous batsman in the shorter formats and he has taken 99 T20 wickets at 25.18 with an economy rate of 7.37.

“He’s a really talented cricketer who can do a little bit of everything,” Wright said.

“He’s a great leader as well and he’s been captain of the West Indies for a number of years now also captaining the team for the T20 World Cup in 2012. Sammy will give us that lower-order hitting too, which is something we didn’t quite have last season.” (CMC)

Veteran Guyanese cricketer/umpire passes on in Canada

By RavendRa Madholall

TORONTO, CANADA: Veteran

Guyanese cricketer and umpire Budhave Anandjit passed away Tuesday morning at the Toronto General Hospital after suffering from liver cancer for a lengthy period. The all-rounder was 53 when he succumbed, leaving his wife, two daughters and a son to mourn.

His elder brother Daveteerth Anandjit is also an international umpire currently residing in Canada after migrating from Guyana recently.

Budhave, a former Grounds Coordinator on the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) for many years, also represented International Sports Club and Kaieteur Sports Club in

the association’s Premier division competition at a younger age.

He was considered a versatile all-rounder too during his stint for East Coast Cricket Club in the Ontario Softball Cricket League various competitions over the years. His involvement in the game was unmatched, according to current vice-president of the SCA, Bisham Singh.

“We [are] definitely saddened on his passing at this very young age; he was very hardworking and committed when executing his duties as a Grounds Coordinator but had to give up the position after he became ill; our sympathies to his families,” Singh stated.

Budhave, who was born in Annandale on the East Coast of Demerara in Guyana, began his cricketing career in Canada over the past two decades and continued with a great level of perseverance to be very active in the sports.

He was a qualified Level 1 umpire and Level 2 coach. He worked with Vikings Cricket Club of Toronto and Cricket Association League junior team for the past three years.

Meanwhile, Treasurer of SCA, Vish Jadunauth was also saddened and believed that Budhave’s input to the association was certainly brilliant.

Guyana rifle shooters win Junior Overseas Competition in UK

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Guyana’s shooting quartet of Lennox Braithwaite, Mahendra Persaud, Ransford Goodluck and Dylan Fields scored a major victory at the 2014 Rifle Shooting championships at Bisley rifle ranges in the United Kingdom last Thursday.

The Guyanese won the Junior Overseas Competition with an overall score of 408 points with 40 V-bulls, beating into second position the New Zealand side who ended with 407 points with 49 V-bulls.

Braithwaite, the reigning Caribbean individual champion, national captain Persaud and national champion Ransford Goodluck are currently in training for the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,

Scotland. The team was captained by United

States-based Guyanese Sigmund Douglas. The shooting condition was

one Sighting shot and seven rounds to count at 300, 500 and 600 yards,

for a maximum score of 420. Braithwaite and Persaud are Guyana’s two-man pair, while Goodluck will serve as manager/coach for the Games which will open on July 23 and will run until August 3 At the X1X Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India in 2010, Guyana’s representatives then–Persaud and Goodluck- placed a creditable fifth place from a line-up of 43 countries.

The Guyana shooters have been in the United Kingdom for the past two weeks and Braithwaite, Persaud, Fields and Goodluck have performed exceptionally well. (Guyana Times)

IAAF ratifies Jamaica's men's 4x200m world record

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaica’s men's 4x200m world record 1 minute, 18.63 seconds set at the inaugural World Relay Championships in the Bahamas in late May was one of three records ratified by the IAAF this past weekend. The Jamaican team that was without triple world record holder Usain Bolt, which resulted in 2011 World Championships 100m champion Yohan Blake anchoring, broke the old 1 minute 18.68 seconds set in April 1994,

20 years ago, by four Americans running for the Santa Monica Track Club in Walnut, California.

That team comprised Michael Marsh, Leroy Burrell, Floyd Heard and Carl Lewis. In May the team of Nickel Ashmeade,

Warren Weir, Jermaine Brown and Blake rewrote the record on the way to winning the gold medal in the final of the event.

The Jamaicans are also the holders of the men's 4x100m world record with the 36.84 seconds done at the London

Olympic Games in 2012. They also have six of the top eight times all run since 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, the new time of 7 minutes 13.11 seconds in the men's 4x800m done by an American All-Star team in Boston in February has been ratified as the new world indoor record, and American Mary Caine's 2 minutes 35.80 seconds done in the 1,000m at the same meet is the new world junior record, shattering the previous 2 minutes 40.1 seconds done in 1982. (Jamaica Observer)

Limacol CPL seen as a catalyst for change

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS:

The Caribbean Premier League can be the catalyst for positive change in West Indies cricket says Tom Moody, the international cricket director of the league.

“We are bringing some of the leading players in the world to play in the league along with the top cricketers from the region. In addition we also have a development programme that includes several young West Indies cricketers. It is our intention that these young cricketers will learn and develop from their association with the senior West Indian and international cricketers who are playing in the CPL and as a result West Indies cricket will benefit,” Moody told Barbadian media earlier this week.

He explained that the CPL played a multiple role in West Indies cricket along with its fast paced and entertainment value.

“Our brand of cricket is exciting and brings a new demographic to the game. We hope that the CPL will create interest

among younger fans in the region who will become attracted to firstclass and Test cricket,” the former Australian all-rounder said.

Moody indicated that the newest version of the game should not be compared with Test cricket because the longer form of the game was the holy grail. He, however, added that T20 cricket would create a new awareness of the Test and first-class cricket.

The former manager of the Sri Lanka team said that he was looking forward to his stint with the CPL.

“This competition has generated interest

throughout the cricket world. This year it will be televised in Asia, England, Australia and North America so it will be beamed into millions of households.”

He added that every cricketer had a soft spot for the West Indies and longed to play cricket in the region which made it easy to attract players to the CPL. Moody, who played eight Test matches and 37 One-Day International matches for Australia, said it was a privilege to be part of the CPL.

Moody was appointed to his post with the CPL in March this year.

(Barbados Today)

“Trinidad and Tobago” re-added to Red Steel

The public relations arm of the Limacol CPL disclosed via a press release on Tuesday that the matter regarding the naming of the Red Steel franchise has been resolved and that the team will once again proudly bear the name of Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel. Limacol CPL had earlier agreed to omit the words “Trinidad and Tobago” from the name, based on a request from the TT’s Sport

Minister Anil Roberts.

This had not gone down well with West Indies ODI and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel skipper Dwayne Bravo, who publicly expressed his disagreement with the decision by Roberts.

“I think whoever made that decision, it’s uncalled for. Ninety percent of the team are from Trinidad and Tobago. We are using the national colours. All the other islands are proud to use their country’s name, whether it is the Barbados Tridents, the Jamaica Tallawahs, why not Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel?” an emotional Bravo had stated.

Tuesday, Limacol CPL Public Relations Representative Antonia Graham confirmed that

the Red Steel have indeed been given permission once again to use “Trinidad and Tobago” in their name.

“We would particularly like to thank Gary Griffith for his timely intervention in this matter and for his support in bringing it to a positive

conclusion,” said a statement from Limacol CPL.

CEO Damien O’Donohoe, also made his input saying: “On behalf of the entire CPL team, we would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and her government for their ongoing support for Limacol CPL and in particular her help in restoring the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel name to the franchise.”

He added: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Red Steel will once again proudly bear the name of Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, and, with three home games this week, we are in no doubt that this news will give Captain Dwayne Bravo and his team an extra boost in their efforts to take home the title of Limacol CPL Champions 2014. We wish them all the best and would like to thank the fans in Trinidad and Tobago for their fantastic support.”